The document provides a summary of each chapter of W.E.B. Du Bois's book "The Souls of Black Folk". It summarizes the key topics, events, and ideas discussed in each chapter, such as Du Bois exploring what it means to be black in America, the experiences of freed slaves after the Civil War, Booker T. Washington's rise in the late 19th century, and the training and spiritual lives of black communities in the South. The document aims to concisely outline the essential information and themes presented across Du Bois's seminal work.

1. The Souls of
Black Folk
Book by:
WEB DuBois
Presentation by:
Danielle Card,
Selena Dillard,
Mary-Morgan Dixon,
Fouad Elsenbary,
Ryanne Jackson,
Rashad Smalls,
Ronnie Woolard

2. Forethought
 In 1903 William Edward Burghardt DuBois
introduces to us (the gentle reader) a brief
synopsis of his novel. He speaks of a
problem that exists in the 20th Century that
he refers to as the “color line,” and he asks
that his words are read and studied but his
mistakes be forgiven. He concludes the
forethought by remaining humble and
reminding readers that he is but a man –
“bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh…”
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3. Chapter 1: Of Our Spiritual Strivings
 How does it feel to be a problem? This is the question DuBois explores
in the first chapter of “The Souls of Black Folk”. In this chapter, DuBois
describes the journey of the freedman during and after the Civil War fought
between 1861-65.
 DuBois begins with his own experience as an outcast when tells of a story
when he was child. In a group of children exchanging visiting-cards, his
card was declined due to his race. After this experience, he began to
realize that he was different from the other children and likened the
experience to being shutout from others unlike him and separated with a
“vast veil”. This single encounter changed his whole view of life. He no
longer wished to tear the veil that separated the two races instead, he held
individuals on the other side of the veil in “common contempt. He began to
compete with the others in foot-races, examinations, and even fights
determined to prove his adequacy.

4. Chapter 1: Of Our Spiritual Strivings
(continued)
 Dubois compares the feeling that he had towards the those on the
other side of the veil to those feelings the freedmen have towards
their masters.
 He continues on to describe the path through life for the freedmen
similar to a prison whose walls are “tall and unscalable”.
 Freedmen are described as having two souls or “twoness”; one being
the soul of an American and the other that of a Negro who wishes to
merge the two souls in order into one complete being.
 In order the change the perspective that freedmen have on the white
society, values such as work, culture and liberty must be allowed
collectively. Education would prove to be the catalyst that helped the
freedmen become vigilant and boost morale.

5. Chapter 2: Of the Dawn of Freedom
 What shall be done with the Negros? This is
second question considered.
 Soon after the Civil War ended the Freedmen’s
Bureau was established by President Lincoln
and Congress in 1865 as temporary aid to ex-
slaves to help develop and encourage self-
sufficiency .
 After President Lincoln’s assassination, Major-
General Oliver O. Howard took over the
Freedmen’s Bureau as Commissioner.

6. Chapter 2: Of the Dawn of Freedom
(continued)
Pros and Cons of the Freedmen’s Bureau
Pros
• Free schooling for Negros
• Ownership of land
• Introduced paid labor
• Freedmen’s Banks were established and allowed ex-slaves the
ability to having savings
Cons
• Judicial functions were not consistent
• No relationship between the freedmen and ex-masters was
developed
• Promises of land for the freedmen were not upheld

7. Chapter 3:
“Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others”
 In this chapter, DuBois focuses on
Booker T. Washington’s rise to
success and what his presence
meant for both America and African-
Americans.
 Washington’s 1895 Atlanta
Compromise was one of the most
notable African-American
accomplishments during the late 19th
century.

8. Chapter 4:
“Of the Meaning of Progress”
 This chapter is about DuBois’s
journey as a teacher.
 Most of his teaching took place at
Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee.
 As an African-American educator, he
had to go through many obstacles to
be able to teach.

9. Chapter 5:
Of the Wings of Atlanta
 DuBois argues that “a fearful
wilderness” surrounded Atlanta after
the war. A wilderness caused by the
combination of poverty, serfdom,
crime and punishment, and most of
all, “the Veil of Race.”
 DuBois argues that hard work and
prosperity are the correct path to a
better future for Atlanta (and indeed
for all the South)
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10. Chapter 6:
Of the Training of Black Men
 DuBois argues that the racism of the
South must be addressed seriously: it
cannot be “laughed away” or erased by
changes to the law, and it should not be
ignored.
 DuBois identifies a problem with industrial
schools – that they can treat people as no
more than workers, a means of increasing
material prosperity.
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11. Chapter 7:
Of The Black Belt
 In this chapter, author W.E.B Du Bois describes the “black belt” as the south of
the United States. Georgia was the main state that the slaves came to from
other states. It had the most negroes slaves in the whole union.
 Du Bois also describes in this chapter how he rode in a Jim Crow Car. This was
his means of transportation. These cars were rail cars.
 The crop that was depended on for work was cotton. Eventually cotton had
started to fall and people were losing money and couldn’t pay for their land or
even survive.
 Albany was the capital of Georgia and is still the capital. This is where all
business took place.
 Joe Field’s killed a lot of Black people. His place was called Joe Field’s place.
Most of his place is owned by Jews and Negroes.
 Later the economy had changed and the Blacks became hard workers.

12. Chapter 8:
Of the Quest of the Golden Fleece
Slavery and Emancipations, combined with the impact of war, left a
legacy of financial disaster. DuBois notes that the black laborers in
Dougherty County, where his focus lies, live in the same cabins that
existed during slavery.
DuBois explains that all but about 10% of the black population of
Dougherty County is very poorly educated, and about two-thirds
cannot read or write. However, illiteracy is only part of the story.
During slavery, information about economics, government, and other
fundamental aspects of society was deliberately hidden from black
people, and the consequences of this are still strongly felt.
For more information about this, you can check out The Problem of
Slavery in the Age of Emancipation by David Brion Davis.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

13. Chapter 9:
Of the Sons
of Master
and Man
Political
Division
Politics was another arena in which black folks were severely mislead
into either not wanting to vote, or voting in a way that did not suit their
individual needs. Even if they were to vote, there were no black
lawmakers, meaning that no one was there to represent them when
deciding on matters of justice and taxes.
Economic
Division
In matters of economy, after slavery ended, black men and women
were uneducated or undereducated and were given little to no proper
job training. Even with training, the jobs would still likely be given to
white men. As for housing, black men would pay for their homes, then
find out that they were taken advantage of by a mortgage broker who
pocketed their money and kept the deed to their home. Blacks found
themselves preyed upon often, and sheriffs would look the other way.
Physical
Division
What is most interesting in this chapter is how currently relevant it all
seems. WEB DuBois speaks of racial inequities and describes
subsidized housing as it still stands today. He calls this the “color-line”
where in most cities in the South, you can draw a line (no matter how
curved the line may be) and you can pinpoint where the predominant
divide of the races lie. Thinking specifically of our own city,
Greensboro, this is definitely still true.

14. Chapter 9: Sons of Master
and Man (continued)
This chapter is aptly named in that DuBois was
seeking to describe relations between the sons of
slave owners and the sons of slaves. He echoes
one very important theme in closing this chapter:
that both sides must recognize and make a
change. The blacks need to be more uplifting and
encouraging of one another, and the whites to be
more sympathetic. He presents a clear call to
action for a union to be formed that crosses the
color-line and strengthens both sides. I find it
interesting that this entire chapter is socially
relevant then and now, as we still struggle to
cross the color-line and unite as one human race.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

15. Chapter 10: Of the Faith of the Fathers
There were three main components to a Negro revival in the
South:
 The Preacher: The center of a group, he holds many titles
and duties such as leader, politician, and speaker.
 The Music: A rhythmic cadence that sounds of despair and
sorrow with undertones of hope.
 The Frenzy: Shouting and praising, being made “mad with
supernatural joy.”
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

16. Chapter 10: Of the Faith of the Fathers
(continued)
Baptist and Methodist churches owe much of their growth to
the black folks, as their membership remains primarily within
these two denominations.
Weddings, social functions, political meetings, and various
groups met at the church, which made the church an integral
part of the life. This is still happening today, as we have
nicknamed the South the Bible Belt.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

17. Chapter 11: Of the Passing of the First-Born
Birth
 Du Bois when he first knew about his new
born baby, was confused and nervous.
 The baby’s golden hair and other
characteristics were a sign of, for Du Bois,
“evil omen.”
 Despite everything regarding his son, Du
Bois shows an absolute adoration.
 Du Bois’s son got sick, shows the
absolute relation of parent-ship toward
children especially the mother
Death
 A mother without the child; was the
saddest sight for Du Bois.
 The veil for Du Bois was the fine line
between happiness and sadness.
 Du Bois’s son did not have to live with in
the veil.
 Du Bois hopes for every African American
to die above the veil.

18. Chapter 12: Of Alexander Crummell
Hate
 Crummell education path, was full of
hate and racism toward the African-
American community.
 Despite all this hatred, Crummell was
able to ultimately succeed in getting
educated.
 It is very easy for us now to get
educated, but shamefully, we still
complain about minor issues.
Despair and Doubt
 Crummell went through a path, that
is enough to drain all hopes and
wishes.
 Despair and doubt created a very
strong and ambitous Crummell.
 Crummell realizes that he did what is
optimal for him and his black
community, in a racism system, and
he decided to settle down in Africa.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

19. Chapter 12: Of Alexander Crummell
 “HATE,DESPAIR, & DOUBT”
 Alexander Crummell, Du Bois, and the AA society faced these three temptations
daily. Society was composed of hate, despair, and doubt, which tried to prohibit the
AA society from accomplishing goals such as education, jobs, and success. Men
and women such as Crummell, Du Bois , and Harriet Jacobs would overcome these
barriers known as negativity, racism, and doubt. Crummell was eventually allowed
to attend school with Caucasians, which he was previously denied before, due to
the color of his skin. After being denied to become a priest , he was later granted
permission. Du Bois highlighted individuals such as Crummell to show that”LIFE IS
ALWAYS going to be difficult, but one should NEVER GIVE UP”!
Du Bois uses the story of Alexander Crummelll as a parallel to his own story of life.
Crummelll, an accomplished African-American, had struggled throughout his life,
and ultimately died in poverty. While Du Bois also struggled, he reached academic
fame during his lifetime. The combination of these two successful African-Americans
serves to describe the intricacies of the plight of the black man.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

20. Chapter 13: Coming of the John
 Du Bois chronicles the experience of a Caucasian
and African American man who had both decided to
pursue educations. The AA John is very obedient,
and when his mother wanted to send him to school,
people said it would ruin him. The Caucasian John
was a son of privilege: his father was a judge, and
he ultimately enrolled at Princeton. John of AA
descent, however, started with very little, and
attended an unknown school. He faced many
difficulties and could not keep up with the work,
which led to being asked to leave for a semester.
John dedicated himself to his schoolwork so that he
ultimately could do well in life. Eventually, the two
Johns meet in New York City. In New York, they
both go to a theatrical presentation, and while he
was there, he was asked to leave because of his
skin color. They meet again years later. Both Johns
opened up schools, but John of AA descent school
was closed down due to his teachings on history,
racism, & injustice. John Of AA descent eventually
kills the other because of sexually assaulting his
sister.
 “Coming of John” is a metaphorical presentation
of the plight of African & White Americans. African
American males devote their life to studying and
helping the community, while White Americans
(John) attends school due to privilege. Du Bois
stated that privilege allowed certain individuals to
attend elite educational institutions, while AA’s had
to work hard and gain everything. "Of the Coming
of John" foreshadows the racial relations of
modern America. Despite hard work, non-white
groups remain marginalized. While members of
these groups often pursue the same trajectory as
John, they are also faced with injustices once they
commit acts of self-defense and other positive acts
within society.

21. Chapter 14:
Of The Sorrow Songs
In this chapter, the songs that were
sung, were songs sung by the slaves.
They sung many Negro spirituals that
you still here today. The meanings of
these songs that the slaves sung were
showing how they felt and hoping for a
change.

22. Afterthought
In the afterthought Du Bois stated why he begin each chapter with a
Sorrow Song. Most importantly the songs throughout the book were very
meaningful to the SOULS OF BLACK FOLKS. Most AA inherited these
songs from their youth. Ancestors of Du Bois and other AA would sing
different songs on slave ships and pass them down. There was
progression from the songs which Du Bois believed began as African,
developed into African American and then African and American.
Different from the other chapters, the afterthought is written from a tone of
anger and despair. Du Bois is not content with the status of African
American people within America. He was very angry that the condition
was even allowable. By acknowledging these songs, Du Bois also
acknowledges that White Americans have places AA into their positions
within society. While the songs symbolized hope, the hope could only do
so much to save AA people.