Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois: Crash Course Black American History #22

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course Black American History, Clint Smith explores the contrasting philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois during a critical period for Black Americans. Washington, advocating for economic self-sufficiency and gradual acceptance, sought stability amid racial violence, while Du Bois pushed for immediate civil rights and higher education for the 'Talented Tenth.' Their differing approaches highlight the diversity of thought within the Black community on achieving progress, laying the groundwork for future leaders. Both men cared deeply for their communities, though their legacies reflect the complex landscape of Black American politics and philosophy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video explores the contrasting philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, two prominent Black leaders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• 💼 Washington emphasized self-sufficiency and economic stability for Black Americans through labor and vocational training, promoting the idea of gradual acceptance by white society.
• 📚 Du Bois, in contrast, argued for immediate social and political change, advocating for higher education and civil rights activism as essential for Black advancement.
• 🔍 Washington's approach was shaped by his experiences as a formerly enslaved person, whereas Du Bois, who was born free, had different insights into the struggles of Black Americans.
• 📖 Washington's influential Atlanta Compromise Speech in 1895 called for Black people to focus on 'dignifying and glorifying common labor' rather than directly challenging segregation.
• 📝 Du Bois introduced the concept of 'double consciousness,' describing the internal conflict of being both Black and American in a society that devalues one identity.
• 👨‍🏫 Du Bois's work, including 'The Souls of Black Folk,' highlighted the need for an educated elite to lead the Black community, which he referred to as the 'Talented Tenth.'
• 🤝 Washington aimed to reassure white Americans by promoting cooperation rather than confrontation, fearing that direct challenges would lead to violence against Black people.
• 📊 Both Washington and Du Bois contributed significantly to Black political thought, shaping the dialogue around civil rights and social justice in America.
• 🌍 The philosophies of Washington and Du Bois illustrate the diversity of thought within the Black community regarding strategies for achieving equality, laying the foundation for future leaders.

Q & A

Who are the two main figures discussed in the video?

The two main figures discussed are Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.

What was Booker T. Washington's philosophy regarding Black economic stability?

Washington's philosophy centered on self-sufficiency and emphasized that Black Americans could achieve economic stability and acceptance through skills and labor, rather than directly challenging Jim Crow segregation.

What was the Atlanta Compromise Speech, and what did it advocate for?

The Atlanta Compromise Speech, delivered by Washington in 1895, advocated for Black uplift through 'self-improvement' and dignifying common labor while suggesting that Black people and whites could remain socially separate but work together for mutual progress.

How did W.E.B. Du Bois's background differ from that of Booker T. Washington?

Du Bois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in 1868, three years after the Civil War, and did not have the same direct experience with slavery as Washington, who was born into slavery in 1856.

What is the concept of 'double consciousness' as described by Du Bois?

Double consciousness refers to the internal conflict experienced by individuals who have to reconcile their dual identity as both American and Black, often feeling they are seen through the lens of societal prejudice.

What was Du Bois's idea of 'The Talented Tenth'?

Du Bois's 'The Talented Tenth' referred to the belief that the most educated and capable 10% of Black men should lead the community and uplift the rest, emphasizing higher education in the humanities.

How did Washington's views on civil rights differ from those of Du Bois?

Washington advocated for a more gradual approach to civil rights, fearing that direct confrontation would lead to violence against Black people, while Du Bois pushed for immediate social and political change.

What significant organizations did Du Bois help to establish?

Du Bois was instrumental in founding the Niagara Movement in 1905 and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.

In what ways did Washington secretly support civil rights efforts?

Despite his public stance, Washington secretly funded and supported civil rights cases that aimed to secure voting rights for Black people.

What impact did Washington and Du Bois have on future Black leaders?

Both Washington and Du Bois laid the groundwork for future Black leaders, influencing their approaches to advocacy and highlighting that Black thought and political strategies are diverse and multifaceted.