W.E.B. DUBOIS || DARKWATER, Part 1 - The Shadow of Years || American Black History || Audio Book

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William Edward Burghardt "W. E. B." Du Bois (23 Feb 1868 – 27 Aug 1963), born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, was the first African American to earn a doctorate; also, a prolific author; activist; sociologist; historian; Pan-Africanist, and professor of history, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. DuBois studied at Fisk University, Harvard and Humbolt (in Berlin) and was a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In London and Paris DuBois and fellow collaborators Daniel Murray and Thomas J. Calloway presented "The Exhibit of American Negroes" showing the history, education, literature and the condition then of the American Negro.

Summary: "Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil" by W. E. B. Du Bois is a collection of essays and reflections written in the early 20th century. This work examines the complex social issues facing African Americans, especially regarding identity, race relations, and the legacy of slavery. Du Bois, an influential sociologist and civil rights activist, draws upon his personal experiences and socio-political observations to illuminate the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals in America. The opening of the work features a poignant postscript by Du Bois, wherein he emphasizes his unique perspective shaped by being both a participant and an observer within the African American experience. He articulates a rich tapestry of insights that will likely permeate throughout the collection, including themes of pride, injustice, and the quest for beauty amid societal turmoil. As the text transitions into the first chapter, "The Shadow of Years," Du Bois begins to recount his own childhood, introducing readers to his family lineage and early life experiences that ultimately influenced his worldview. Through vivid storytelling, he sets the stage for a broader exploration of racial identity and the ongoing struggles against oppression and inequality, creating an inviting yet thought-provoking atmosphere for readers to engage with the complexities of race relations in America.

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Photo by C.M. Batty, 1918