Life and accomplishments of W. E. B. Du Bois - Essay Example

After graduating from Harvard as the first African American with a doctorate, he becomes a professor of History, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. Throughout his life, it is estimated that Du Bois wrote over four thousand articles, essays, and books. As a result of his contributions, many university and government institutes have been named after Du Bois and currently he even has a face book appreciation group. His contribution to societal development through activism and scholarly work has been applauded by many scholars.

He underwent a lot of hardships to accomplish his doctorate degree at Harvard University which was a remarkable achievement as was he was considered the first African American to earn such kind of honor. Through his determination and need to see a society free from racism and discrimination he cofounded National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His contribution to African studies has been evidenced through his scholarly writings more so touching African American way of life.

For example, According to Gooding (178), Du Bois contributions particularly provided an important but often overlooked perspective of Africana culture, history and philosophy. He also participated in the redevelopment of Africana studies and relating it to the events of the 21st century. Among his major scholarly works included The Philadelphia Negro and The Souls of Black Folk these books endeavored to show that Africans had same capabilities as their fellow whites and there was no reason for discrimination.

On the other hand, his contribution to Africana philosophy of education was through such writings that demonstrated intellectual struggle, personal sacrifice, group leadership, and African historical and cultural grounding in understanding Africana studies. Through such contribution it has provided a pedagogical paradigm that helps to understand and explain African ability to excel. W. E. B. Du Bois has also been hailed for his exemplary political activism which contributed to black liberation, racial justice and the liberation of poor masses.

Throughout his career life, Du Bois was instrumental in championing women liberation and black liberation. His writings particularly provided an important insight on Africana history, culture, and philosophy–informed framework for redeveloping Africana studies and crises associated to it in the 21st century. He has also been important in the development of critical social theory making Africana studies multicultural in its approach. The scholar has also contributed to Africana studies through relating critical theory to radical political mentality.

Additionally Du Bois’s theoretical perception and pragmatic findings were trend setting as he challenged ideologies about black inadequacy. Unlike others during his reign Du Bois enhanced his theoretical beliefs on black dilemma, and the black middle class with experienced research documenting structural racism as the major perpetrator of racial inequality. Throughout his teen years Du Bois developed an interest in race relation and went ahead to become the local correspondent for the New York Globe.

He spent two years at the University of Berlin in Germany studying economics and history. During his studies in Germany, Du Bois saw the frequency of racism in a globalized context. Du Bois worked in a