​W. E. B. Du Bois

​William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (February 23, 1868 – August 27, 1963) was a sociologist, socialist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a relatively tolerant and integrated community, and after completing graduate work at the University of Berlin and Harvard, where he was the first African American to earn a doctorate, he became a professor of history, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.
The W. E. B. Du Bois Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst was established in 2009 to engage audiences in discussion and scholarship about global issues involving race, labor, and social justice. UMass Amherst is the proud home of the W. E. B. Du Bois Papers, which are housed on the 25th floor of the library in Special Collections University Archives. The entire collection is free to view digitally.

Where to Connect

  • Du Bois Sculpture — this 3.5-foot, 800-pound bronze bust of Du Bois sits atop a 4-foot concrete pedestal near the entrance of the quadrangle in the center of CAU's campus. This stunning piece, created by artist Ayokunle Odeleye, commemorates Dubois’ life and legacy.

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