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American Masters

W.E.B. Du Bois' childhood, family and education

Season 40 Episode 4 | 3m 43s

Born in 1868 in Massachusetts, the same year the 14th Amendment guaranteed citizenship and equal protection, W.E.B. Du Bois grew up in a predominantly white community where he experienced freedoms denied to most Black Americans of his time. Raised by his mother after his father abandoned the family, Du Bois was supported by a close-knit community that nurtured his intellectual gifts.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
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American Masters
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Preview: S40 E5 | 2:37
Watch • 2:29
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Preview: S40 E4 | 2:29
Watch • 3:10
American Masters
The formation of the NAACP and Du Bois’ magazine, “The Crisis”
How Du Bois used "The Crisis" and NAACP efforts to expose racism and celebrate Black achievement.
Clip: S40 E4 | 3:10
Watch • 2:25
American Masters
Du Bois used visualized data to confront racism at the 1900 Paris Exposition
At the 1900 Paris Expo, Du Bois used data to present a visually captivating case against racism.
Clip: S40 E4 | 2:25
Watch • 2:32
American Masters
A brief history of Reconstruction
Reconstruction saw Black progress, then backlash erased gains after brief equality.
Clip: S40 E4 | 2:32
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American Masters
Lani B. Supreme: Legacy
Trumpeter Lani B. Supreme carries forward a musical legacy that transcends generations.
Special: 12:38
Watch • 16:20
American Masters
Hannah Mayree: Songs of Reclamation
Musician Hannah Mayree organizes workshops and performances celebrating the banjo's Black history.
Special: 16:20
Watch • 12:00
American Masters
John Goodman on "The Big Lebowski" and Jeff Bridges
Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Special: 12:00
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American Masters
Alsarah: The Sonic Historian
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
Special: 17:36
Watch • 2:41
American Masters
Bella! This Woman's Place Is in the House
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Preview: S40 E3 | 2:41