During the Progressive Era, two African American leaders who made significant accomplishments were Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee Institute, advocated for economic self-reliance and the development of vocational skills for African Americans. His Atlanta Compromise speech in 1895 urged African Americans to accept segregation for the time being and focus on education and economic upliftment. On the other hand, W.E.B. Du Bois, a co-founder of the NAACP, led the fight for political and social equality for African Americans. He believed in the importance of education, civil rights, and full political participation for African Americans. Both leaders played crucial roles in advancing the rights and opportunities for African Americans during the Progressive Era.
