W. E. B. DuBois: The Trumpet of Confrontation
In contrast to Washington's policy of conciliation and
compromise, W. E. B. DuBois believed that it was necessary to
act like men in order to be accepted as men, Speaking the truth
as he saw it, loudly, clearly, and fearlessly, was to him the
minimum criterion for manliness. This led to a contrasting style
of leadership. Where Washington had been polite and
ingratiating, DuBois was self-assertive and, frequently,
aggressive. Where Washington had tried to win the trust of white
bigots, DuBois insisted on confronting them with the truth as he
saw it. Where Washington had counseled peace, DuBois clamored
for action.
The contrasting leadership styles of Washington and DuBois were
rooted in their differing life experiences. DuBois was born in
February, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. His
grandfather had procured his own freedom through participating in
the American Revolution. DuBois received his elementary and
secondary education in an integrated setting which prevented his
becoming conscious of the color bar.
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