Lecture 2 | African-American Freedom Struggle (Stanford)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a structured overview of Lecture 2 from Clay Carson's Introduction to African-American History course, focusing on W.E.B. Du Bois and the impact of the Great Depression on the African-American freedom struggle. Understanding these historical elements is crucial for grasping the evolution of civil rights movements and the political thought that emerged during this period.

Step 1: Understand the Role of W.E.B. Du Bois

• Biography Overview: Familiarize yourself with Du Bois' background, including his education and early influences.

Key Contributions

• Advocate for civil rights and co-founder of the NAACP.
• Author of influential works, including "The Souls of Black Folk."
• Promoted the idea of the "Talented Tenth," emphasizing the importance of educated African Americans in leading the fight for equality.

Practical Tip

• Read excerpts from Du Bois' writings to gain insight into his thoughts on race, education, and social justice.

Step 2: Explore the Great Depression's Effects on African Americans

• Economic Disparities: Understand how the Great Depression disproportionately affected African Americans, worsening unemployment and poverty rates.
• Political Mobilization: Examine how economic hardship led to increased political activism among African Americans.
• New Deal Policies: Analyze the impact of New Deal programs on African American communities, noting both benefits and shortcomings.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

• Don't overlook the intersectionality of race and class during the Great Depression—many African Americans faced unique challenges that were often ignored in broader economic discussions.

Step 3: Examine the Shift in African-American Political Thought

• Emergence of New Ideas: Investigate how the struggles during the Great Depression influenced a shift in African-American political thought, moving towards more radical approaches.
• Influential Figures: Identify other key figures besides Du Bois who contributed to this evolution, such as A. Philip Randolph and the impact of labor movements.

Real-World Application

• Consider how the ideas and strategies developed during this period resonate with contemporary movements for racial and social justice.

Step 4: Reflect on Legacy and Continued Struggles

• Long-term Impact: Assess how the ideologies and movements of the 1930s laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Current Context: Discuss the relevance of Du Bois' ideas and the lessons learned from the Great Depression in today's socio-political climate.

Conclusion

This tutorial highlights the significance of W.E.B. Du Bois and the Great Depression in shaping the African-American freedom struggle. By understanding these elements, you can better appreciate the complexities of racial justice movements and the ongoing fight for equality. As a next step, consider exploring additional lectures in the course or diving deeper into primary texts from the era to enhance your understanding.