Jeff Fonou
Professor Shearin
English 101
24 October 2014
The Negro Education
W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington were great leaders to the African American population during their time. Although they both agreed on the progression of black communities and the Negro education; they strongly disagreed on the type of education blacks should receive, strategies to achieve economic prosperity, and the blacks’ social standing in society.
Both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Dubois advocated for the advancement of education in black communities but they had different theories. Washington preached a philosophy of self-help, racial solidarity and accommodation. Washington’s theory of education developed as a result of the path he took in acquiring an education. He believed blacks should get an industrial education based on their living conditions and economic needs. On the other hand W.E.B Dubois focused on a more liberal; intellectual based style of education. DuBois believed in the "the talented tenth" of the black population who, through their intellectual accomplishments, would rise up in society and lead the black masses. Dubois stated Washington's strategy would serve only to perpetuate white oppression. According to Washington, blacks had to start from the bottom and work their way up in society. He postulated that through industrial education blacks would not only be able to work for themselves but also know how to properly perform the tasks needed. Through this they would be would have financial security based on their geographical location and skill level. Dubois argued otherwise. He stated that an industrial education would do nothing but keep the black population in the lower class jobs. He argued that Washington's views encouraged white segregationists and limited opportunities for African Americans. He believed that African Americans deserved the