Cosimo Chooses a Relevant Historical Read for February’s Classic of the Month

 

February is black history month. It’s a time to reflect on the rich history of African American’s in the United States. No doubt the history involves some exceedingly dark times, but it’s the entire historical picture that creates the true narrative struggle. 

The Souls of Black Folk a collection of groundbreaking essays on race and race relations written by W.E.B. Dubois and originally published in 1903 is a must read, especially in this relevant month. The analytical essays in this book look at the interactions between whites and blacks, offering a solution for the obvious inequality. A strong supporter of education, Dubois believed that being properly educated was the surest way for African Americans to better their life. Anyone interested in history, race relations, sociology, or the intellectual heritage of the United States will find this an essential read.

W.E.B. DUBOIS (1868-1963) was a free-born African American in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was the first black man to receive a PhD from Harvard University and was convinced that education was the means for African Americans to achieve equality. He wrote a number of important books, including The Philadelphia Negro (1899), Black Folk, Then and Now (1899), and The Negro (1915).