The Souls of Black Folk Lesson Plan

Summarize Washington’s plan to uplift Black people and DuBois’s critique of the plan. Which side do you agree with?

Washington believed that if Black people kept their heads down, worked hard, and focused on industrial education, they could have good lives post-Emancipation. DuBois believes industrial education is important but cannot be the sole focus of the Black community. He argues that classical education is what will train the teachers and other community leaders. He also says that Washington’s plan asks Black people to be submissive and not fight for full access to civil rights, like voting. Students who agree with Washington may believe that causing trouble (like...