Surname 2
DuBois was more political than Washington. He believed in political action and agitation
and was actively involved in the Niagara Movement and the National Association for the
Advancement of the Colored People (NAACP) (Anderson 108). He served as NAACP’s director
of publicity and as an editor of The Crisis, a black political magazine. Washington refused to
pursue political and social equality with the whites. He often downplayed discrimination and
encouraged blacks to have good relationships with the whites. He “discouraged blacks from
voting, running for political office and pursuing civil equality” (Anderson 103).
Similarities
Whereas Washington and DuBois had disagreeing philosophies, they had similarities in their
views as well. Firstly, both leaders had a common goal: the empowerment and advancement of
the black community. They were committed to the cause of civil rights for the African
Americans. Washington and DuBois were on “the same side fighting for the same purpose,
progress, and uplifting the Black race” (Johnson and Watson 65).
Both leaders believed in some form of education of the blacks. Washington was sure that
industrial-agricultural education would empower them economically and command respect from
the whites (Anderson 90). DuBois supported liberal arts education and promoted the “Talented
Tenth.” He envisioned a class of the most educated members of the black community providing
better influence over the whites and better representation of the African-Americans (Anderson
69). Apparently, both leaders believed that education was an important factor in the development
and empowerment of the blacks.
Ideologies
DuBois believed in empowerment through academic education, political action, and persistent
agitation. He was confident that black leaders should have a college education and that educated
