African Americans of the 20th century. They are both well known for their attempts to uplift the

African American of the United States. However, their approaches to accomplish these tasks

were drastically different. This paper will explore the differences between Washington and

DuBois in their opinions on the many aspects of the lives of blacks. By examining their

backgrounds and views on the uplifting of African-Americans, we can compare the different

approaches that Washington and DuBois employed in an attempt to reach a common goal, equal

Washington and DuBois were raised in very different environments, a factor that is

important in understanding what helped shaped their opinions on the future of their race. Booker

T. Washington was born into slavery. In his autobiography, Up From Slavery, Washington

describes his childhood environment as "the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging

surroundings." (490) Washington's childhood and rise to national prominence is characterized by

hard work and determination. After his family was emancipated, Washington's family moved to

Malden, West Virginia, where "drinking

become sullen and withdrawn. DuBois excelled in his formal schooling, and was the only African

is the Atlanta Exposition Address. In this speech, Washington urges his race to "cast down your

Washington, Booker T. "Up From Slavery." The Norton Anthology of African American

was known as a great scholar, and wrote many studies on the lives of African-Americans (Gates

The Souls of Black Folk. In this book, he stated that Washington represented the African

By studying the beginnings of these two prominent figures, we can see that there are two

Washington and DuBois' upbringing played a large role in shaping the their philosophies

endured, he still held the strong desire to attend school and receive an education. His

Washington had little formal education, so much of his knowledge was gained through practical

equality, industrial equality, and social equality" (Broderick and Meier 55). He felt that by

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Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)