Table of contentsBooker T. Washington: the advocate of accommodation and economic progressW.EB Du Bois: l advocate for civil rights and political activismContemporary RelevanceWorks CitedThe post-Reconstruction era in America saw the emergence of two prominent figures, WEB Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, who proposed divergent strategies for resolving racial issues . Du Bois championed what can be considered "radical" ideas, advocating for political engagement, persistent activism, and academic empowerment as a means to achieve full citizenship rights for African Americans. Its three main goals were voting rights, the education of African-American youth, and civic equality. In contrast, Booker T. Washington's approach can be characterized as "conservative" in that he urged white America to provide employment opportunities and industrial and agricultural education to African Americans, with the understanding that African Americans would give up civil rights and social equality. His message emphasized economic respectability and independence rather than political and social equality, asserting that by proving their usefulness and contribution to the nation, African Americans would eventually achieve equal treatment and rights in the United States. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Although Du Bois and Washington have divergent views, they share common ground on some aspects. Both recognized the importance of economic progress for African Americans, giving it a higher priority than universal suffrage. They both placed a strong emphasis on racial solidarity and economic cooperation, as well as mutual aid and moral development. Despite his disagreements with Washington, Du Bois had a deep respect for him, as evidenced by his statement: "One therefore hesitates to criticize a life which began with so little, has achieved so much. And yet the time has come when one can speak with complete sincerity and complete courtesy of the errors of Mr. Washington's career as well as of his achievements, without being capricious or envious, and without forgetting that it is easier to do evil as well as good in the world. » Booker T. Washington: The Defender of Accommodation and Economic Progress Born a slave in Virginia in 1856, Booker T. Washington played a pivotal role as an educator and leader for African Americans. He founded and served as director of the Tuskegee Institute, a professional and industrial school in Alabama. Between 1895 and 1915, he established himself as one of the most influential figures among African Americans. Washington's primary belief was that African Americans must adapt to white Americans by accepting segregation and disenfranchisement, and focusing on acquiring agricultural and industrial skills to achieve economic freedom. He argued that African Americans had to demonstrate their usefulness to the nation in order to gain equal treatment. He called on white Americans to work to reduce racial violence and support the success of African Americans in agriculture, industry and business. Notably, in 1901, Booker T. Washington's visit to the White House for a dinner with President Teddy Roosevelt attracted national attention and scrutiny. The meeting between a former slave and the president sparked controversy and highlighted the racial tensions prevalent in America. Washington's philosophy emphasized education, employment and..