W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963) emerged as one of the most influential intellectuals and civil rights activists of the 20th century. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He tirelessly advocated for the rights of Black Americans, using his sharp intellect and powerful writing to challenge the systemic racism that pervaded American society. His work laid the foundation for the civil rights movements that followed, and his concept of "double consciousness" remains a cornerstone in the study of race and identity.
Throughout his life, Du Bois balanced his roles as a scholar, activist, and writer, producing groundbreaking works like Las almas de los negros and founding the NAACP. He traveled extensively, engaging with global issues of race and colonialism, and became a leading voice in Pan-Africanism. Despite facing significant opposition, Du Bois never wavered in his commitment to justice and equality, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and inform the struggle for civil rights around the world.