W.E.B Du Bois and Booker T. Washington were some of the most prominent black leaders of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. They both worked to better the lives of African Americans throughout their lifetime, but took two different approaches. Although Washington presented a strong argument, I believe Du Bois had a more efficient and useful idea.
Du Bois suggested that equal education as white people and the end of segregation was the only was black people could find a place in society. This approach involved getting college education for African Americans. After the majority of African Americans have a college education, they can seek high paying and intellectual jobs, and earn their place in society. When blacks people have high paying jobs, they will be able to create opportunities for their kids to attend college, making a cycle of wealth among African Americans. To counter racism, Du Bois wanted to fight it head on. Du Bois encouraged a spirited and physical approach to earning a place among the white folk. Not believing a peaceful and quiet resolution was an option to racial equality, Du Bois was
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Washington took a different approach. Washington believed African Americans should accept segregation for now and find blue collar jobs until they earned a place in society. Washington was a fan of trade schools and African Americans learning industrious jobs. By seeking jobs such as plumbing and construction, African Americans would become the backbone of a white society, and therefore, irreplaceable and vital. Washington believed Du Bois’ idea would lead to rioting and violence, and would further damage the reputation of the black race. He was criticized for accepting segregation by Du Bois and other black scholars. Many important white men agreed with Washington such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie and the president. The quality and cheap labor presented by Washington appealed to the business