The Death of William Edward Burghardt DuBois

The more democratic republics become, the more the masses grow conscious of their own power, the more do they need to live, not only by patriotism, but by reverence and self-control, and the more essential to their well-being are those services whence reverence and self control flow.

James Bryce, “The American Commonwealth”

The recent death of Dr. W. E. B. DuBois at age 95, has been keenly felt and deeply mourned by Archons and Archousae throughout the country. He was a charter member of Zeta Boulé of New York City, which was founded in 1912. He maintained this affiliation until his resignation a few years ago. His last appearance at a Grand Boulé was at Wilberforce's Central State College in 1948. On this occasion, he delivered the famous Memorial address on the topic, “The Talented Tenth,” a phrase he had used previously to describe Negro leadership.

There is no one in America, who has contributed more and given greater impetus to the current battle for civil rights and human dignity than Dr. DuBois. He laid the foundation and provided the active leadership for one-half century. He was a pioneer in the great social and intellectual movements among American Negroes, which culminated in the founding and development of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Through his many scholarly publications, he brought the case of the Negro before the world. As editor of the Crisis, he gave the needed direction and dignity to Negro thought and action, during the early stages of the great battle for human freedom. It is symbolic that his journey's end should come on the eve of the memorable March on Washington; for he spent his lifetime charting its course.

Dr. DuBois’ last signal honor in this Country came on the seventieth anniversary of his graduation from Fisk University. During this historic year, his Alma Mater named a new men's dormitory in his honor; presented him a citation for distinguished service to humanity; and awarded him its greatest academic honor, a Phi Beta Kappa key. Not long after this event, he left his native land for Africa. He passed away a citizen of Ghana.

William Edward Burghardt DuBois will always be remembered with admira-tion and respect by enlightened Negroes in America and other parts of the world. He bequeathed to them a rich heritage of true intellect and social vision, which time can never erase.

George N. Redd, Interim Editor, Excerpted from The Boulé Journal, October, 1963, Volume 26, Number 1