1. Civil Rights Activism:
- Advocated for the full civil rights of African Americans, including equal rights under the law, voting rights, and an end to racial discrimination in all aspects of society.
2. Pan-African Unity:
- Promoted the concept of Pan-Africanism, which aimed to unite Africans and people of African descent worldwide in solidarity to fight against colonialism and racial oppression.
3. Education and Intellectual Development:
- Believed that education was essential for African American progress. He helped found the Niagara Movement (1905) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909, promoting education and intellectual development within African American communities.
4. Economic Empowerment:
- Advocated for economic self-sufficiency and cooperation within African American communities. He believed in the importance of economic independence as a means to overcome racial discrimination.
5. Historical Research and Documentation:
- Conducted extensive research and documentation of African American history and culture, including his seminal works "The Philadelphia Negro" (1899) and "Black Reconstruction in America" (1935).
6. Social Justice:
- Focused on addressing the underlying causes of racial inequality and social injustice in the United States. He argued that solving these problems required a fundamental transformation of society.
7. International Advocacy:
- Traveled extensively and participated in international conferences, representing the concerns of African Americans on the global stage. He advocated for international collaboration to address issues of colonial oppression and racial discrimination.
8. Anti-Colonialism:
- Criticized colonialism and imperialism and supported movements for independence in African and Asian countries. He believed that African Americans shared common interests with oppressed people worldwide.
9. Civic Participation:
- Encouraged African Americans to actively participate in the political process as a way to achieve change. He believed that African American voices needed to be heard and represented in decision-making.
10. Cultural Expression:
- Promoted the importance of African American art, literature, and culture as forms of resistance and self-expression. He believed that cultural pride was essential for overcoming the negative stereotypes and racial prejudices imposed by society.
Throughout his life, W.E.B. Du Bois remained a staunch advocate for racial equality and justice. His contributions to civil rights, education, and intellectual thought have had a lasting impact on the struggle for social progress in the United States and around the world.