Two giant historical figures in African American history who rose to prominence fighting for the rights of Black Americans. Both men had sharply different visions for African Americans’ pathway to full citizenship.

Booker T. Washington, born into slavery in the South, urged vocational education and accommodation within the boundaries of segregation, while the Mass. born W.E.B. Dubois pushed for leadership by those deemed most talented, as well as active protests against segregation. 

Panelists

Paula Austin, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Of History & African American Studies at Boston University.

Kim McLarin, Assoc. Professor at Emerson College

Tanisha Sullivan, Esq, President of The Boston Branch of the NAACP.  She is also a Member of the WGBH Board of Advisors.

Phillip Martin, Senior Investigative Reporter, New England Center for Investigative Reporting here at WGBH News.