The idea that the black American and African American communities are dependent on a single leader is one that has existed since the era of slavery and persists in our modern era. Essential writings by black American leaders in the history of the United States all have differing opinions on which qualities shape a successful leader for the black American and African American communities. Focusing on the ideas and opinions of W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Ida B. Wells, who strongly believe that in order to “uplift the black masses,” there is a need for a strong leader, and views of what shape that strong leader range from striving for a formal education and political rights to sacrificing these rights to receive other types of care.
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He believes that the path out of post-slavery segregation is through a “Talented Tenth,” or “trained Negro leaders of character and intelligence – men of skill, men of light and leading, college-bred men, black captains of industry, and missionaries of culture” (Du Bois, p. 104). He believed that in order to be able to lead a group, one needs education and power. However, he didn’t believe it was the only factor. He also stressed the importance of “the greatest, perhaps, in the modern world” power of the ballot (Du Bois, p.104). In order to reach a sense of social and economic equity, the right to vote is needed. And in order to reach a point at which Blacks could fight for universal suffrage, education is essential. Du Bois advocated for both formal education and political rights as qualifications that a successful leader would need. I am in agreement that education at any level is important for a leader or activist, in order for them to level with an audience or oppressor that typically looks down upon that leader and their group. No matter what group they are representing, a leader must be able to communicate professionally and effectively in order to actively lead their group to the desired outcome. In addition, when regarding rights as a citizen, participation in politics is an important way to shift policies towards such that would benefit the group or …show more content…
Wells had a similar behavioral approach to leadership, however she believed that certain specific characteristics would build a good leader, no matter what the race. Taking a more religious approach, Wells relates these characteristics to those of Jesus Christ. Leaders need the courage of conviction, and “earnest, steadfast devotion which so takes hold of its leaders that they willingly brave the world’s censure,” (Wells, p. 38). She relates this type of conviction to that of the disciples. She expresses that to lead humanity, one needs self-sacrifice, which is a “God-given principle that one…must be willing to die for the people.” (Wells, p. 39). She then states that perseverance and self-control are other important elements of a great leader, but finally states that the most important requisite is a “deep abiding love for humanity.” (Wells, p. 41). Despite her Christian roots in most of her statements, these requisites for a good leader are universal. Activism for the love of others or love of one’s group is beneficial applicable to any race, religion, or other community. Wells’ rhetoric is easy to believe or agree, as many Americans follow some sort of religious teaching, and would agree that acting for the betterment of others and having conviction is affective for any cause. I strongly believe that a leader cannot truly lead if they are doing so selfishly, and thus I agree with Wells’
He believes that the path out of post-slavery segregation is through a “Talented Tenth,” or “trained Negro leaders of character and intelligence – men of skill, men of light and leading, college-bred men, black captains of industry, and missionaries of culture” (Du Bois, p. 104). He believed that in order to be able to lead a group, one needs education and power. However, he didn’t believe it was the only factor. He also stressed the importance of “the greatest, perhaps, in the modern world” power of the ballot (Du Bois, p.104). In order to reach a sense of social and economic equity, the right to vote is needed. And in order to reach a point at which Blacks could fight for universal suffrage, education is essential. Du Bois advocated for both formal education and political rights as qualifications that a successful leader would need. I am in agreement that education at any level is important for a leader or activist, in order for them to level with an audience or oppressor that typically looks down upon that leader and their group. No matter what group they are representing, a leader must be able to communicate professionally and effectively in order to actively lead their group to the desired outcome. In addition, when regarding rights as a citizen, participation in politics is an important way to shift policies towards such that would benefit the group or …show more content…
Wells had a similar behavioral approach to leadership, however she believed that certain specific characteristics would build a good leader, no matter what the race. Taking a more religious approach, Wells relates these characteristics to those of Jesus Christ. Leaders need the courage of conviction, and “earnest, steadfast devotion which so takes hold of its leaders that they willingly brave the world’s censure,” (Wells, p. 38). She relates this type of conviction to that of the disciples. She expresses that to lead humanity, one needs self-sacrifice, which is a “God-given principle that one…must be willing to die for the people.” (Wells, p. 39). She then states that perseverance and self-control are other important elements of a great leader, but finally states that the most important requisite is a “deep abiding love for humanity.” (Wells, p. 41). Despite her Christian roots in most of her statements, these requisites for a good leader are universal. Activism for the love of others or love of one’s group is beneficial applicable to any race, religion, or other community. Wells’ rhetoric is easy to believe or agree, as many Americans follow some sort of religious teaching, and would agree that acting for the betterment of others and having conviction is affective for any cause. I strongly believe that a leader cannot truly lead if they are doing so selfishly, and thus I agree with Wells’