W.E.B. DuBois

This portrait poster features William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B.) Dubois (1868-1963), one of America’s most highly regarded Black intellectual leaders.

In 1900, he recognized “the color line” as the major problem of the 20th century, not only for America, but for the world. He organized a Pan-African Congress and remained an international leader of that movement. DuBois was a professor, writer and editor who influenced many through his essays and books. He was a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and edited its magazine for 24 years. He embraced socialism late in life, and was a peace and anti-nuclear activist during and after World War II. DuBois was influential among Black leaders and was uncompromising towards other Blacks who tolerated racial injustices.