2. Humble Beginnings Born in Barrington, Massachusetts in 1868 Parents Alfred and Mary Burghardt Du Bois Father left when young Encouraged and provided with: Clothing Food Money for school Experienced minimal racial discrimination
3. Education: Excellent student Graduated valedictorian, first African-American to do so from his school. Universities: Fisk – Undergraduate Degree Harvard – Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees University of Berlin in Germany – Post-Master’s Studies
4. Quotes: “The problem of the Twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” Line in journal: “these are my plans: to make a name in science, to make a name in art and thus to raise my race.” “The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race, that they may guide the Mass away from contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races…. The best and most capable of their youth must be schooled in the colleges and universities of the land…. All men cannot go to college but some men must.” – The Talented Tenth
5. The Philadelphia Negro Study with a goal to prove that it was a lack of knowledge, rather than race itself, which had contributed to the negative perceptions of the African-Americans. Combined history in Philadelphia, class structure, education, occupations, family life, health care, voluntary associations, criminality, and interaction with whites.
6. The Philadelphia Negro, Cont’d Du Bois emphasized the overall impact of aforementioned social conditions, rather than “inherited factors,” as many other scientists has postulated.
7. Effect on Teaching Emphasized importance of having high-quality teachers leading the rest of society (The Talented Tenth) Better to have a few exceptional men and women to “lift them up, [or] they will pull you down.” Establishment of the NAACP, which came from Niagra Movement
8. Personal Effect Dedication to excellence as a teacher; will teach students necessary tools for success and how to use intellect Better race-relations Emphasis on worth of a teacher and appreciation of profession
