W. E. B. Du Bois
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (February 23, 1868-August 27, 1963), better known as W. E. B. Du Bois, was an American historian, civil rights activist, sociologist, author, and editor. In the early 1900's, Du Bois was one of the frontrunner opponents against racial discrimination. He was one of the first African Americans to obtain a Ph.D. from Harvard University and was known for his opposition to Booker T. Washington's idea that African Americans could advance themselves, without social reform, through education and hard work. Du Bois focused on demanding equal rights and founded the NAACP. Some of his written works include The Study of the Negro Problems, John Brown: A Biography, I Take My Stand for Peace, The Quest of the Silver Fleece, and The Souls of Black Folk.