WEB: Early Life
Birth and Childhood
WEB, also known as William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on February 23, 1868. His father, Alfred Du Bois, was a Haitian-born man who worked as a schoolteacher and a tailor. His mother, Mary Silvina Burghardt, was a descendant of Dutch immigrants and worked as a domestic servant.
Family Background
WEB's father left the family when WEB was young, and his mother struggled to provide for her children. Despite their difficult financial circumstances, WEB's mother instilled in him a love of education and a strong work ethic. She also encouraged him to explore his African heritage and to fight against racial discrimination.
Educational Journey
WEB attended public school in Great Barrington and excelled in his studies. He graduated from high school with honors and went on to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. At Fisk, he majored in history and sociology and became involved in the civil rights movement. After graduating from Fisk, WEB earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University in 1895.
Comments