The Wounded World: W.E.B. Du Bois & WWI

Believing in the possibility of full citizenship and democratic change, W.E.B. Du Bois encouraged African Americans to “close ranks” and support the Allied cause in WWI. Haunted by his decision, Du Bois sought intellectual clarity and personal atonement through writing the definitive history of Black participation in WWI-a manuscript that ultimately remained unfinished.
Drawing on a broad range of sources including Du Bois’s manuscript, professor and award-winning author Chad Williams’ new book explores a sweeping story of hope, betrayal, disillusionment and transformation, illuminating new insights on the broader meanings of race and democracy for Black people in the twentieth century. As we celebrate Juneteenth, learn more about the most influential scholar-activist in African American history in this compelling lecture, hosted in partnership with the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group.
For more information about the National WWI Museum and Memorial visit theworldwar.org

[@1234bbruce]

As a historian and genealogist, I find this topic and your work on this subject fascinating.

[@hobbes4583]

Thanks for this fascinating lecture. I was never taught dubois in school. I read him after college and I find him to be a beacon in dark times, as well as a beautiful prose stylist.

[@ludovica1914]

What a heavy topic. So much history and consideration and discussion packed into a proportionally short video. I feel like I have so much to say about this but how do I even sift through what would even be appropriate. I wonder how strong America could have been if later immigrants hadn't whitewashed so drastically and bought into the imperialism/colonialism that they arguably had been running from? Is the answer as simple as, it had the chance to benefit them for once? Thank you all for the work you do to preserve these stories and further these talking points. I had only heard Dubois's name in passing, so this was a learning experience to say the least.

[@FreeTurtleboy]

He didn't return the items donated......he got overwhelmed....he... Himself....was NOT....in War oh well.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

A collapsing formerly great nation.