David L. Lewis

Martin Luther King Er Professor of History David Levering Lewis

A definitive biography of the African-American author and scholar describes DuBois's formative years, the evolution of his philosophy, and his roles as a founder of the NAACP and architect of the American civil-rights movement

Biography of a Race, 1868-1919

W. E. B. Dobois

Chronicles the life of the civil rights leader, from his childhood and early education to his work with the NAACP and beyond, becoming one of the most noted African American activists of the century.

A Biography

W.E.B. Du Bois

Jeni Enjaian

Do not let the massive length of this biography or the dense phrasing of the narrative dissuade you from reading. It is well worth the read. Just budget plenty of time to read this book because it will take all the you budget and more.

Every American needs to read this biography if for nothing more than to rectify the white washing of history that so much of American history has undergone. I feel a little ashamed that I knew little if anything about all of the ongoing efforts of African Americans throughout the early decades of the 20th century. So many of my history books describe or imply that the events of the "Civil Rights Era" happened during that set period of time and at no other, perhaps because it makes white people finally look good with the passage of monumental Supreme Court decisions and Acts of Congress.

As to the man himself, Lewis wrote a biography that epitomizes Du Bois, intellectual, race-minded, and off-putting. While I would have appreciated a more objective treatment of Nina, Yolande and "baby" Du Bois, the author treats them authentically, as Du Bois himself did. He also broadened the scope significantly in many areas which also embodies the subject of the biography.

I highly recommend this biography but only if you are willing to put in the work.

W. E. B. Dobois Biography of a Race, 1868-1919

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