Education as a Key: Du Bois saw education as a vital tool for Black Americans to uplift themselves and overcome racial barriers. He emphasized the importance of quality education for all, regardless of race, and fought to expand educational opportunities for Black Americans.
Pan-Africanism: Du Bois played a crucial role in promoting Pan-Africanism, a movement that encouraged solidarity and unity among people of African descent worldwide. He helped organize the Pan-African Congresses and worked towards bringing together leaders from different African nations to collaborate for political and economic liberation.
Social Activism and Protest: Du Bois actively participated in various social and political movements to fight for social justice. He supported labor rights, women's suffrage, and the rights of workers. He frequently used his writing and lectures to raise awareness about racial injustice and call for reform.
Critique of Capitalism: Du Bois criticized the negative impact of capitalism on the working class and minority communities. He believed that capitalism fostered economic inequality and exploited laborers, including Black workers.
Importance of the Talented Tenth: Du Bois emphasized the role of the "Talented Tenth," representing the most educated and accomplished members of the Black community who had a responsibility to help and lead the masses. He argued that education and leadership of this elite group could advance the welfare of all Black Americans.
Intellectualism and Scholarship: Du Bois was a prolific writer, scholar, and intellectual. He produced groundbreaking sociological studies, literature, and historical works that examined race relations, discrimination, and the Black experience in American society. Through his writings, he aimed to challenge prevailing theories and shed light on social and racial issues.
These beliefs and principles guided W.E.B. Du Bois's lifelong activism and contributions to African American thought, racial justice, and civil rights movements.