At the start of the 20th century, there were two well-known African American leaders who wanted to achieve equality in America for African Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington did not agree on how to fight for the rights and opportunities for African Americans, even though they were alive in the same century. The life that African Americans experience during an important time in American history might be better understood by looking at their histories, philosophies, and achievements. Booker T. Washington saw how wrong slavery was from a young age, after being born into slavery in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1856. Washington wanted and managed to finish his studies, even though he and his family were faced with financial problems after being able to gain independence. …show more content…
Washington's emphasis on economic self-help and vocational education resonated with many African Americans who could easily see the benefits of gaining financial independence and employable skills. His pragmatic approach appealed to white legislators and philanthropists who were willing to support African American educational initiatives but reluctant to fully accord them political and social equality. But Du Bois, in contrast, demanded immediate civil rights and complete integration, challenging the practice of racial discrimination and segregation. A new generation of African American activists who rejected gradualism and compromise were inspired by his unflinching stance. Du Bois's fight for political empowerment and social equality made possible the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which ultimately led to significant legislative victories like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. When evaluating the contributions of Booker T. Washington and