Directions: Use the themes, questions and video clips below to teach and learn with portions of C-SPAN's American Writers program featuring Booker T. Washington's Up From Slavery and W.E.B. Du Bois' The Souls of Black Folk. Link to the complete video clip list to identify clip descriptions and create your own lessons. Each theme contains questions and video clips appropriate for varying grade levels. Lesson Credit:
C-SPAN 2001 Teacher Fellow Jeannine Cotner.

1. In the late 1800s, the federal and state governments played major roles in determining how easily freed slaves would be assimilated into American culture. Name at least four significant political and judicial events which led to the "nail in the coffin" described by Dr. Medford. What is meant by "the nail in the coffin?"
2. Identify significant differences in the early lives of Washington and Du Bois. Where was each man born? Who was born a slave? Where did they go to school? What early experiences played a role in shaping their differing philosophies on elevating African-Americans in American society?
3. Contrast the educational theories of both men. What did each man believe should be the purpose of education for African Americans? What was the "talented tenth?"
4. W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington were all leading figures in the struggle for African-American equality during the late 1800s. How did each of these differ in their philosophy and appeal to African-Americans? In light of this, why do you believe Washington received more support and recognition from the White House than Du Bois did?
5. According to Dr. Lewis, what is the present status of African Americans in our society today? What significant gains have there been? What attitudes or events have led to some erosion of these gains? In your opinion, what is the status of African-Americans in our society today? What needs to be addressed or changed? Can people be forced to adopt new attitudes?

1. Where is Tuskegee University located? Why was the school established? What is "The Oaks?" What were Washington's two main goals in having Tuskegee students build "The Oaks?" What else is significant about the house?
2. In what areas did Washington believe the emphasis should be in educating African-Americans? According to Washington, what was the federal government's responsibility in providing support for educating African-Americans?
3. What did Washington believe was the community's responsibility to ex-slaves? Consider the community at Tuskegee as well as the community at large. What benefits did the community gain from this relationship? Would he have been for affirmative action? Support your answer with information from the clips.
4. What historical events were great disappointments to Washington? What was the significance of these events?
5. In his Atlanta Exposition speech, Washington speaks of the acceptance of the reality of life. What does he ask the country to do? What was the significance of this speech by Washington? How was Washington then regarded? What biblical figure did he symbolize for African-Americans?

1. How were African-American attitudes changing at the time of Washington's death in 1915? Who was the "New Negro?"
2. David Levering Lewis describes W.E.B. Du Bois as a pioneer on several fronts. Describe the many accomplishments of W.E.B Du Bois. Why was he considered controversial?
3. Who was Marcus Garvey? What were the goals of the Garvey movement? Du Bois was concerned about Garvey's actions. Why? What happened when Garvey's movement collapsed?
4. What was the significance of the publication of The Souls of Black Folk? What did Du Bois say was of great importance?
5. What did Du Bois mean in the quote excerpted from "Negroes and the Crisis of Capitalism in the United States," The Monthly Review, April 1953. Identify how this quote parallels with American society today.