Booker T. Washington has become the victim of Black Liberalism. Black historians, who unfortunately control Black history, have reduced him to an appeasing Uncle Tom. In contrast, they praise the political agitator, W.E.B. DuBois. In fact, most of their interpretation of Mr. Washington is based upon the biased criticism of Mr. DuBois. However, a closer examination of where the Black community stands today proves that Mr. Washington was right and Mr. DuBois wrong.
Booker T. Washington promoted vocational education, entrepreneurship and character. W.E.B. DuBois promoted political equality and the special elite of Blacks known as the “Talented Tenth.” Washington believed the focus of the post-reconstruction Black should be economic independence, which would lead to respect from his White counterpart. Granted communities like Tulsa, OK - which housed more millionaires than in the rest of the country combined – were decimated by razes resulting from racial hatred and jealousy; Washington understood the importance of land acquisition, enterprise, and wealth creation.
W.E.B. DuBois saw Black legitimacy through political equality. To some degree, DuBois was right to consider a political agenda, and deserves more credit than I generally choose to give him. However, we have more Blacks in the U.S. House, state legislatures, city councils, and government agencies than at any time in the history of our nation; still Blacks lag behind in every positive economic indicator.
The median household wealth for Black families is less than $6,000; and the median for single Black women is a measly $5. With these abysmal numbers, you would never know that Blacks have a buying power of $847 billion - more than China owns in U.S. Treasuries.
What I failed to mention is that we have an American president who resembles Messrs. Washington and DuBois. We have achieved Mr. DuBois’ political equality, but when we look at the state of Black America is it any question why I say Washington was right?
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Sunday, June 10th 2012 at 10:20PM
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