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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.
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American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [EAD]
This version contains EAD. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:59:02
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American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [ASL]
This version contains ASL interpretation. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
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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 • 1:48
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois passed away on the eve of the 1963 March on Washington
Du Bois’ death at the 1963 March on Washington marked a passing of the torch in civil rights.
Clip: S40 E4 | 1:48
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