Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A prominent United States civil rights leader and political activist: W. E. B. Du Bois was a seminal figure who dedicated his life to campaigning for equality, higher education, and full civil rights for Black Americans. He was also a noted sociologist, historian, and author.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The writings of W. E. B. Du Bois remain essential reading for understanding American history.
  • W. E. B. Du Bois co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
  • Many scholars study the intellectual legacy of W. E. B. Du Bois.

Advanced Usage

• "Du Boisian" (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of the ideas, theories, or methods of W. E. B. Du Bois.
  • Her analysis takes a Du Boisian perspective on the issue of racial stratification.

Variants and Related Words

• W. E. B. Du Bois is the standard spelling. The full name is William Edward Burghardt Du Bois.
• NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization Du Bois helped establish.

Synonyms

• Civil rights activist
• Sociologist
• Historian
• Author

Related Phrases

• "The Souls of Black Folk": The title of Du Bois's most famous collection of essays, often cited in discussions of his work.
  • The concept of "double consciousness" was introduced in "The Souls of Black Folk".
• "Talented Tenth": A concept promoted by Du Bois arguing for the higher education of a leadership class for the Black community.

Noun

1. United States civil rights leader and political activist who campaigned for equality for Black Americans (1868-1963)