Question

Why does DuBois reference John Brown in paragraphs 13 and 15 of the "Address to the Niagara Movement"?

Responses

DuBois believes it will improve his credibility with his audience.
DuBois believes it will improve his credibility with his audience.

Brown is a symbol of resistance against injustice, regardless of the consequences.
Brown is a symbol of resistance against injustice, regardless of the consequences.

Brown is an example of how to affect change through cooperation and compromise.
Brown is an example of how to affect change through cooperation and compromise.

It shows his audience that their demands will not be met without violent protest.
It shows his audience that their demands will not be met without violent protest.

Answer 1

Brown is a symbol of resistance against injustice, regardless of the consequences.

Du Bois invokes John Brown to evoke moral courage and the example of an uncompromising fight for justice — to inspire his audience to bold, principled action and willingness to sacrifice, not to endorse compromise or simply to boost his own credibility.