Question

"[his]programme practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the negro races. . . . in the history of nearly all other races and peoples the doctrine preached at such crises has been that manly self-respect is worth more than lands and houses, and that a people who voluntarily surrender such respect, or cease striving for it..." who is web dubois referring to?

Answer 1

Answer: Brooker T. Washington

Brooker T. Washington's policy of racial accommodation and gradualism stated in the Atlanta Compromise of 1895 was not popular with all Black American communities. The Atlanta Compromise was an agreement that stated that Southern Black communities would submit to Southern white rule in exchange for basic education and due process in law.

This text is part of the essay “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others” in his collection The Souls of Black Folks. Published in 1903, DuBois is rejecting Washington's willingness to avoid "rocking the boat." He is instead advocating for political power, civil rights and education of Black Americans.