19th Century Civil Rights Leaders (from C-SPAN's American Writers Series, 2002)

Frederick Douglass              1. A discussion on Frederick Douglass' views about integration and his belief in equal rights of all Americans. (1 min.)      2. A comparison of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington’s vision for African-American advancement; also, a discussion on the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Douglass in the days surrounding the Civil War. (6 min.)       3. A description of Frederick Douglass’ support for women’s suffrage provided that African-American men first get the right vote. (2 min.)      4. Douglass defended actions of abolitionists, saying there could be no progress without struggle. (1 min.)               Booker T. Washington            1. An explanation of why Booker T. Washington established Tuskegee University. (2 min.)      2. A discussion on Booker T. Washington’s mission to prepare African Americans to participate in politics.  (2 min.)       3. How Booker T. Washington paved the way for former slaves to be active in the national economy.  (3 min.)      4. Listen to Booker T. Washington’s 1895 speech in Atlanta, GA and to the discussion of how this speech brought him into national spotlight. (5 min.)               W.E.B. Du Bois                  1. An explanation of W.E.B. Du Bois’ “Talented Tenth” concept in comparison with Booker T. Washington’s idea of education. (3 min.)      2. W.E.B. Du Bois as a pioneer for civil rights and also as a controversial figure in American history. (4 min.)      3. Discussion of The Souls of Black Folk and its portrayal of the post-Reconstruction African-American condition.  (3 min.)          4. W.E.B. Du Bois’ belief that African Americans should preserve their cultural richness and become part of American pluralism.   (2 min.)             Discussion Questions            1. How did nineteenth century civil rights leaders work toward the advancement of African Americans before the 14th Amendment and in its early days? How did their work compare with one another? How did they compare with future civil rights leaders? 2. Who supported Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B.Du Bois? members of the government? the Constitution? whites? African Americans?