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This portfolio assignment is a 3-4-paragraph essay comparing and evaluating the impact of two progressive leaders, W.E.B. DuBois & Booker T. Washington.
W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington were two prominent leaders in the African American community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both men were instrumental in advocating for the rights and advancement of African Americans, but they had differing approaches to achieving their goals.
Booker T. Washington believed in a gradual approach to achieving equality for African Americans. He believed that economic independence was essential for African Americans to gain respect and acceptance in society. His famous Atlanta Compromise speech in 1895 encouraged African Americans to focus on vocational education and economic self-reliance, rather than political activism. Washington's approach was criticized by some as being too passive and accepting of segregation, but he did achieve significant success in building educational institutions and improving economic opportunities for African Americans.
On the other hand, W.E.B. DuBois was a more radical and outspoken leader. He believed in taking a more direct approach to fighting for civil rights and equality. DuBois co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and was a staunch advocate for political and social equality among African Americans. DuBois believed in the importance of higher education and intellectual development for African Americans, and he was critical of Washington's focus on vocational training. DuBois' approach was met with both support and criticism, but his advocacy for civil rights laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century.
In evaluating the impact of DuBois and Washington, both men played significant roles in advancing the rights and opportunities for African Americans. Washington's emphasis on economic independence and practical education helped lay the foundation for African American progress, while DuBois' more militant approach to civil rights activism challenged the status quo and sparked broader movements for racial equality. Ultimately, the legacies of both DuBois and Washington continue to influence discussions on race, equality, and social justice in American society today.