The Souls of Black Folk
by W. E. B. Du Bois
This landmark book is a staple in black protest literature. W. E. B. Du Bois played a key role in the development of the strategies and programs that dominated black protests in America in the early 20th century. In this collection of essays, he openly argues that under the dignity of man he can plead for rights that by their very nature belong to all mankind. He also accuses that the strategy of adapting to white supremacy put forward by Booker T. Washington, America's most influential black leader at the time, would only serve to perpetuate black oppression. The publication of The Souls of Black Folk was a dramatic event that helped divide black leaders into two groups: Washington's more conservative followers and the more radical supporters of the aggressive protests. Its effect is difficult to overestimate. This is an important reading for anyone interested in African-American history and the civil rights struggle in the Americas.
