"The function of the Negro college, then, is clear: it must maintain the standards of popular education, it must seek the social regeneration of the Negro, and it must help in the solution of problems of race contact and co-operation. And finally, beyond all this, it must develop men."
Taken from W.E.B DuBois' The Training of Black Men, this quote struck me. The essay describes the importance of education for the African-American, as well as the struggles these men had to endure just to be educated in the first place. Originally, blacks were seen as less smart than whites, therefor they were not educated as well. However, with progression, they rose to do earn their right to learn.
DuBois has a lot of hope for educated black men, as evidenced by the quote. He believes they can change the ideas and assist in the development of men- all men, black or white. It is inspiring to see this attitude from a black writer. While others chronical their pain and struggles, as they rightly should, it is nice to see DuBois (and Washington for that matter) provide hope for black men.
Posted by VanessaKolberg at November 16, 2005 11:10 PM | TrackBackVanessa--
Dubois may have had a lot of hope for black men, but his idol, Booker T. Washington, wasn't reaching many of his peers in the way Dubois wanted. I think perhaps he thought that Washington was a "cult" leader and aimed to appeal to the white people. "But aside from this, there is among educated and thoughtful colored men in all parts of the land a feeling of deep regret, sorrow, and apprehension at the wide currency and ascendancy which some of Mr. Washington’s theories have gained." Just a thought...:)
Posted by: Meredith Harber at November 16, 2005 11:47 PMI agree. I like the way that they both talk about the education of black men as a right that everyone should have rather than just complaining about it and not doing anything about it. They both look at it in a positive light because they know that they can do something about it.
Posted by: Stacy at November 17, 2005 09:13 AM