W. E. B. Du Bois Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

W. E. B. Du Bois breathed his last on 27th August 1963. Though he went to the land of no return; he is still recalled as a one of a kind sociologist, civil rights activist, author, Pan-Africanist among others. He first rose to fame as the leading foreman of Niagara Movement which was regarded as one of the leading African-American radicals of the 20th-century.Not to mention he co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).He was the first black American to receive a doctorate. Before fame, Bois worked as a teacher at Wilberforce University in Ohio where he started to learn about sociology. Read further to understand more about his early and later achievements.

Childhood And Early Life

On February 23, 1868, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was first seen in the world in Great Britain. His father was called Alfred while his mother was known as Silvina Du Bois. Bois came from a mixed family where he often called himself “mullato.” At two years of age, his father left his young family where Silvina went to live with his parents.

At his tender age, W. E. B. Du Bois joined a local school where he excelled tremendously. He was then taken to Fisk University in 1885 where he completed with bachelor’s degree. It was there that he came to note that several countries practiced racism. For a year Bois joined Harvard College where he earned his second bachelor’s degree in history. It was in 1895 that he was appointed as the First African to hold a Ph.D. At Harvard University. In 1896 Bois dissertation called The Suppression of the African Slaves was approved.

Career

After receiving his Ph. D W. E. B. Du Bois went to work as a teacher at Wilberforce University in Ohio. It was there that he befriended Alexander Crummell. After a short pause, he teamed up with Pennsylvania where he acted as the assistant in sociology.

In 1897 W. E. B. Du Bois was appointed as the professor of economics and history where he worked at the Atlanta University in Georgia. Before he moved out to his position, Bois managed to publish his first theses called The Philadelphia Negro in 1899.

In the course of his career, W. E. B. Du Bois turned into an indelible writer where he managed to release several publications. It was in 1903 that he released a book called The Soul of the Black Folk which in turn was considered as one of his major work in sociology. It was the only book that had illustrated several essays in regards to racism.

Before the end of his career, Bois teamed up with different African-American civil rights including Max Barber as well as William Monroe Trotter. In 1909 he led the National Negro Conference in New York as well as National Negro Committee.In 1909 he co-founded the NAACP Association.

Afterward, W. E. B. Du Bois was appointed as the director and researcher in NAACP after his resignation from the Atlanta University. It was during his rule that he managed to edit monthly magazines called The Crisis till the end of 1920.While acting as the editor, Bois managed to write surefire topics that explained the importance of practicing equal rights. He also encouraged the blacks to practice a group economy hence eliminating poverty. It was in 1934 that Bois resigned from the position.

Subsequently, he went to Atlanta University where he spent countable of years as a teacher. Before his retirement, he published countable of books and articles till the end of 1944 where he joined the NAACP as a researcher.

Personal Life And Achievements

In 1920 and 1959 W. E. B. Du Bois was recognized with Spingarn Award as well as Lenin Peace Prize. When it comes to his personal life W. E. B. Du Bois tied a nuptial knot with Nina Gomer on 12thn, May 1896. The couple had two children. Sad to say, Nina passed in 1950 was W. E. B. Du Bois married Shirley Graham, activity in 1951. Bois opted to adopt Shirley’s son called David. After a short pause, Bois went to stay in Ghana where he breathed his last on 27th, August 1963, at 95 years of age.