THE PURSUIT OF HIGHER THINGS: BOOKER T. WASHINGTON CONTRASTED WITH W.E.B. DU BOIS

Abstract

Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915) and William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868–1963) were two influential leaders who were both seeking higher things for the black community. This dissertation is primarily an appreciation of Washington’s spirit and vision, using Du Bois as a foil, to develop that appreciation.Their contrasting views of what constitutes “higher” values, education, and progress led to differences in strategies and a shift within black communities whose legacy still impacts communities today. Washington emphasized vocational education, economic self-reliance, and gradual integration, while only insisting on equal treatment under the law. Du Bois advocated for immediate integration, civil rights, and higher education for a "Talented Tenth" of black leaders. Their approaches reflected their personal backgrounds, views, and the challenges of post-Reconstruction America. Washington believed black people could gain respect through hard work and entrepreneurial success as seen in his founding of the Tuskegee Institute and the National Negro Business League (NNBL); one important expression of his views is his 1895 Atlanta Exposition Address. Du Bois criticized Washington’s gradualism, arguing for political activism and leadership by an educated elite and co-founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to push for civil rights. This dissertation suggests that Washington’s bottom-up approach promoted broad-based job-focused education, property ownership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable black advancement, whereas Du Bois’ influence led to greater reliance on government and the politicization of race relations. After Washington’s death and with the rising influence of Du Bois, the focus of black advancement shifted toward political advocacy and collegiate education. The two men set forth rival views of black advancement, views that persist today.