In our Fathers of Legacy series, we highlight notable men of history and today, especially of color, who are known by many for their exploits and societal impact, but who demonstrated remarkable fatherhood as well. Today, we’re highlighting NAACP co-founder and champion of Black progress, W.E.B. Du Bois.
In the annals of African American history and the fight for civil rights, few names resonate as powerfully as that of W.E.B. Du Bois. Known predominantly for his scholarly work, his role in founding the NAACP, and his unyielding advocacy for equality, Du Bois’s multifaceted legacy is a beacon of intellectual and moral guidance. However, nestled within his storied life is the often-overlooked narrative of Du Bois, the father of two—a role that profoundly shaped his worldview and activism. In this edition of the Fathers UpLift Newsletter, we delve into this intimate aspect of Du Bois’s life, exploring how his experiences as a father of two children informed his work and offering insights into the timeless relevance of his journey for today’s fathers.
At the heart of Du Bois’s narrative as a father is the tragic loss of his firstborn son, Burghardt, to diphtheria when he was still an infant. This personal sorrow is poignantly captured in his essay Of the Passing of the First-Born, where Du Bois unveils the depth of his grief and the broader societal ponderings in the midst of his loss. The essay is not just a lament; it is a powerful critique of the racial injustices that African American families face—a sorrow magnified by the systemic racism that marked every aspect of their lives.
Du Bois’s concept of “the Veil” serves as a metaphor for the racial segregation and discrimination that defines the Black experience in America. His reflections on fatherhood through this lens are especially poignant. He feared for his son’s future in a society that judged him by the color of his skin rather than the content of his character. Speaking of his son’s early passing, he writes, “Well sped, my boy, before the world had dubbed your ambition insolence, had held your ideals unattainable, and taught you to cringe and bow.” However, he also spoke to his amazement at his son’s innocence; how he lived his short life yet untouched by that very Veil: “He loved the white matron, he loved his black nurse; and in his little world walked souls alone, uncolored and unclothed.” This fear of the Veil of racism, shared by countless African American fathers, contrasted against Du Bois’ hopes for his child and admiration of his innocence, highlights the unique challenges faced by Black fathers and families—challenges that Du Bois bravely confronted in his writings and activism.
The loss of his son became a contributing catalyst for Du Bois’s lifelong commitment to fighting racial injustice and he dreamt with inspiration for a world that might be experienced by the next generation. His personal tragedy underscored the urgency of his work, bridging the gap between private grief and public advocacy. In Of the Passing of the First-Born, he writes, “Surely there shall yet dawn some mighty morning to lift the Veil and set the prisoned free. Not for me,—I shall die in my bonds,—but for fresh young souls who have not known the night and waken to the morning; a morning when men ask of the workman, not ‘Is he white?’ but ‘Can he work?’ When men ask artists, not ‘Are they black?’ but ‘Do they know?'” Du Bois’ journey reminds us that personal experiences can profoundly influence one’s approach to social change. His ability to draw from his pain to fuel his fight for justice is a testament to his strength as both a father and a leader.
W.E.B. Du Bois’s experiences as a father offer invaluable lessons for today’s fathers, particularly those navigating the complexities of raising children in a world where racial disparities persist. His story encourages fathers to engage deeply with the societal issues that affect their families, advocating for change not just in the public sphere but within the intimate spaces of family life. Du Bois exemplifies how personal loss and fatherly love can transform into powerful forces for social progress.
As we reflect on W.E.B. Du Bois’s legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact fathers can have on their children and society at large. His life teaches us that fatherhood extends beyond the confines of our homes, influencing the broader world in meaningful ways. Through our newsletter, we aim to uplift and inspire fathers to embrace their roles as nurturers, protectors, and advocates for justice, following in the footsteps of giants like Du Bois.
In honoring W.E.B. Du Bois, we celebrate not only his monumental contributions to civil rights but also his role as a Father who faced unimaginable loss with courage and resilience. His story is a beacon for all fathers striving to uplift their families and communities, proving that from the depths of personal grief can emerge the most profound narratives of love, activism, and hope.