With the changes being made to improve formal education in the United States, African Americans remained one of the last groups to be considered part of these changes. From slavery to segregation, many African American leaders withstood these obstacles to uplift the black community. Among these leaders, were Frederick Douglass and W.E.B DuBois. Douglass’ anti-slavery movement helped slaves gain their freedom. He believed individuals needed to be educated well enough to understand the consequences of slavery. On the other side DuBois advocated for social equality because he believed african americans were capable to take on important roles in society. Despite of their difference ,it is evident …show more content…
After he moved to Auld’s plantation, he had the opportunity to learn how to read and write with the assistance of his mistress(Douglass 32). Because education was still a private matter , it was up to the family that owned the slave to decide whether or not they would provide some education to the slave (Cite lecture) and the Auld family initially decided to support this effort.Although it didn’t last for long, this made Douglass questions the motives behind slavery. In his writings, The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass, he shares his sentiments about education. His slave master had ordered his wife to cease instruction ,as he was infuriated at the idea of educating slaves …show more content…
Although he didn’t experience the same problems as Douglass , he endured segregation during his studies at Fisk University and Harvard University.In his article ,A Negro Schoolmaster in the New South, he shares his experience with teaching in the South while being a student at Fisk University. Before he was ready to take the position, he met with the commissioner of the school and immediately noticed racial segregation between white teachers and black teachers: “ “Come in,” said the commissioner,-- “come in. Have a seat.Yes that certificate will do.Stay to dinner.What do you want for a month?” Oh thought I, this is lucky; but even then fell the awful shadow of the Veil, for they ate first, then I-alone”(Provenzo Jr(ed.) 2002, p.24).