For Booker T. Washington v W. E. B. DuBois, I don't get DuBois' method...
did he want African Americans to gain rights right away?
W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington were two influential African American leaders who had different approaches to achieving equal rights for African Americans. While both aimed to uplift and empower African Americans, they differed in their strategies and timelines.
Booker T. Washington, born into slavery, believed in a gradual approach to racial equality. He advocated for African Americans to focus on economic self-reliance and vocational education. Washington believed that by proving their economic worth and showing their willingness to contribute to society, African Americans could gradually gain the respect and acceptance of white Americans. He emphasized the importance of acquiring practical skills and building economic wealth before pushing for political and social change.
On the other hand, W.E.B. DuBois, a scholar and civil rights activist, had a more immediate and rights-focused approach. DuBois criticized Washington's gradualism, arguing that African Americans should demand full civil rights and social equality immediately. He believed that political and social change were the necessary foundations for achieving economic progress. DuBois co-founded the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and used his platform to fight against racial discrimination and advocate for political and legal rights for African Americans.
To understand DuBois's method and perspective better, you can explore his writings, such as his book "The Souls of Black Folk." In his book, he outlined his vision for African Americans to gain equal rights, access to education, and active political engagement.
Ultimately, while Booker T. Washington favored a more gradual approach to civil rights, W.E.B. DuBois believed in demanding rights and equality immediately.