A new documentary titled *W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause* shines a long-overdue spotlight on the remarkable life of the influential Black leader, W.E.B. Du Bois, who was born in 1868, just three years after the conclusion of the Civil War. Directed by Rita Coburn and narrated by the acclaimed actress Viola Davis, this film takes viewers through the myriad achievements and struggles faced by a man who played a pivotal role in the fight for civil rights in America.
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Du Bois was a trailblazer, becoming the first Black individual to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895. His academic background set him apart from his contemporaries, including Booker T. Washington, who had a markedly different approach to racial equality. While Washington advocated for gradual progress through hard work and vocational training, Du Bois championed the need for immediate and assertive action, famously referring to this stance as “persistent, unceasing agitation.”
The documentary delves into Du Bois’ thoughts as expressed in his landmark work, *The Souls of Black Folk*, where he critiqued Washington’s philosophy. In it, Du Bois argued that relying solely on hard work for recognition would only lead to further marginalisation of Black people. “The burden belongs to the nation,” he remarked, making it clear that true progress required collective effort rather than dependence on the goodwill of the White community.
As the film unfolds, it explores not only his professional legacy but also his personal life, marked by significant trials and losses. The tragic death of his infant son, Burghardt, due to discriminatory healthcare practices in segregated Atlanta had a profound impact on Du Bois and further galvanised his activism. His relationship with his wife, Nina Gomer Du Bois, whom he married in 1896, is also central to the narrative. Their marriage, while significant, was fraught with complications that ultimately led to estrangement at times.
Du Bois’s character is depicted with nuance, illustrating a deeply committed man whose personal ambitions often overshadowed his family life. “My main life work was out in the world and not at home,” he is quoted as saying, indicating a prioritisation of his intellectual pursuits over familial obligations. Biographer David Levering Lewis notes the emotional distance that developed between Du Bois and his family, highlighting the isolation faced by his wife and daughter during his moments of intense dedication to activism.
The documentary further examines Du Bois’s progressive views on women’s rights, which were ahead of his time. He strongly believed in women’s autonomy regarding motherhood, openly questioning traditional notions of gender roles. Historian Imani Perry underscores the significance of a prominent male figure advocating for women’s independence during an era when many men were reluctant to address such issues.
Yet, Du Bois’s attitude towards his teenage daughter, Yolande, can be described as patriarchal. When she fell in love with a jazz musician, Du Bois dismissed his career as unworthy, creating tensions that reflected his struggle to accept modern values that diverged from his own entrenched beliefs.
Yolande would eventually marry noted poet Countee Cullen, in a wedding that captured the attention of Harlem’s social scene, yet their marriage was fraught with challenges, echoing the complexities of familial expectations versus personal desires. The documentary poignantly reflects on the notion that Du Bois’s high aspirations for his family sometimes hindered their autonomy, as encapsulated by Dr. Elizabeth Alexander’s commentary on the expectations he had for his daughter.
Critics have praised Coburn’s film for its careful portrayal of Du Bois’s multifaceted life—a life that intersects with the broader narrative of racial justice in the United States. Jeffrey Wright, an actor involved in the project, expressed admiration for the depth of storytelling achieved, emphasising the documentary’s ability to convey Du Bois’s intricate character.
Further, Courtney B. Vance lauded Du Bois’s relevance to contemporary social issues, noting that while progress has been made since Du Bois’s time, many challenges persist. “We are still trying to figure out what to do with people who are not WASPs,” he asserted, drawing parallels between Du Bois’s struggles and ongoing societal challenges.
Set to premier on May 19, 2023, at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, *W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause* is not only an exploration of an extraordinary life but also serves as a reflection on the ongoing journey for equality within America. The film will be available for streaming on pbs.org, ensuring that Du Bois’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.