f Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois to discrimination and goals for improvement similar/different? Which leader’s approach was more effective?

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The struggle for African American advancement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was profoundly shaped by the contrasting philosophies of two prominent figures: Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Both leaders sought to combat racial discrimination and uplift the black community, yet their approaches diverged significantly. Washington advocated for vocational education and economic self-reliance as a means to gain societal respect and improve circumstances for African Americans, often emphasizing gradual progress and accommodation. In contrast, Du Bois championed immediate civil rights and higher education, arguing that a well-educated "Talented Tenth" of the African American population should lead the fight against systemic racism and inequality. As we explore their differing strategies and visions for improvement, it becomes essential to consider which leader's approach ultimately proved more effective in advancing the cause of racial equality in America.