Progressive Reform essays

Progressive Reform essays Despite the creation of the NAACP in 1909, many progressive reformers tended to be Anglo-Saxon elitists critical of the lack of accomplishments of African Americans, and other diverse, ethnic groups. At first led by the most influential black leader of the day, Booker T. Washington, and later continued with scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois, African American reforms were beginning mold together and take form. Washington and Du Bois, achieved success in the reforms of blacks in America, all while holding different strategies and perspectives. Although Booker T. Washingtons methods were appropriate in that past time, W. E.B Du Bois had some good points that fit in more with modern society. Their success however contained errors in spite that Washingtons views were that of a realists and Du Bois of an idealist. Born a slave, Booker T. Washington was an educated man who gave his life to promote the education of blacks, and believed strongly that education was the first step to acceptance. He was not wealthy, and saved pennies for his own schooling by sleeping under a board sidewalk. Washington started an industrial school for blacks in Tuskegee, Alabama, teaching the students useful trades; where it was said by one Black activist and newspaper editor, What is practical will best fit these young people for the work of life. Booker T. believed that progress in the enjoyment of all the privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing. Therefore, the educating blacks would elevate them in societys opinion, and eventually prejudice would die away. In an 1895 speech delivered at the Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta, Washington outlined the key themes of a realists philosophy. Cast down your buckets where you are, Washington told black people, meaning they should focus on improving their vocational skills as in...