Booker T. Washington vs W.E.B. Du Bois

By: Valencia Price

One of the most important topics that were debated in the 20^th century for African Americans was how to better the social and economic progress of African Americans in America. This topic caused many controversies and debates in the black community during that time. Two men were at the head of these debates. W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washing were these two men. Their strategies on how to accomplish progression in the black community were complete opposites. Du Bois publicly criticized the strategy proposed by Washington. Washington’s strategy was commonly referred to as The Atlanta Compromise. Under this strategy, black people would continue to work and abide by the segregated laws of the south, and whites would provide them with education and gradually give them opportunities to better themselves in society. His strategy centered on a gradual process compared to Du Bois’ strategy. Under Dubois’ strategy, the progress would result in a more immediate gratification. He wanted civil rights for blacks and more political representation for blacks. He thought in order to accomplish this the elite African Americans at the time were needed. The term the talented tenth was used to refer to these elite men. Their goal was to educate and guide the black population in order to better the race as a whole. Du Bois valued education in the sense of classical education compared to Washington who placed a strong value on developing skills particular to specific crafts. Both men caused a divide in the black community. If you agreed with Washington then you were considered to be conservatives, and if you agreed with Du Bois you were considered to be a radical.

In assuming the role of being the devil’s advocate, I believe that only one strategy is correct and that strategy is Du Bois’. He is right for criticizing Washington’s strategy. The following questions are the main reasons for why I agree with Du Bois. Why would Washington continue to allow black people to suffer from discrimination and harm constantly done against them by white people? Why would he not want immediate changes that can benefit African Americans? What makes him think that white southerners would come through on their side of the agreement? Washington is being very naive by trusting that the white southerners would allow for blacks to have any opportunities in the future. They were the men who enslaved blacks and still believe that blacks are inferior. Logically, it makes no sense to believe that they will allow social and economic progress for African Americans as long as they had control of the south. For this reason, Du Bois is right for wanting immediate changes. Blacks needed representation in politics and to become educated past the basics in order to better the race. The only people who could gain these positions and be good role models for the rest of the population are the elite African Americans of that time period. Therefore, Du Bois’ strategy is what makes the most logical sense and could benefit African Americans the most.

What is your opinion about the debate? Which strategy would have the most success concerning the social and economic progress of African Americans?