The Conservation of Races, W. E. B. DuBois (1897)

"Here, then, is the dilemma, and it is a puzzling one, I admit. No Negro who has given earnest thought to the situation of his people in America has failed, at some time in life, to find himself at these crossroads; has failed to ask himself at some time: what, after all, am I? Am i an American or am I a Negro? Can I be both? Or is it my duty to cease to be a Negro as soon as possible and be an American? If I strive as a Negro, am I not perpetuating the very cleft that threatens and separates black and white America? Is not my only possible practical aim the subduction of all that is Negro in me to the American? Does my black blood place upon me any more obligation to assert my nationality than German, or Irish or Italian blood would?" p. 43

"Academy Creed:

1. We believe that the Negro people, as a race, have a contribuion to make to civilization and humanity, which no other race can make.
2. We believe it the duty of the Americans of Negro descent, as a bodyy, to maintain their race identity until this mission of the Negro peole is accomplished, and the ideal of human brotherhood has become a practical possibility.
3. We believe that, unless modern civilization is a failure, it is entirely feasible and practicable for two races in such essential politicaal, economic and religious harmony as the white and colored peole of Amereica, to develop side by side in peace and mutual happiness, the peculiar contribbution which each has to make to the culture of their common country.
4. As a means to this end we advocate, not such social equality between these races as would disregard human likes and dislikes, but such a social equilibrium as would, throughout all the complicated relations of life, give due and just consideration to culture, ability, and moral worth, whether they befound under white or black skins.
5. We believe that the first and greatest sstep toward the settlement of the present friction between the races-commonly called the Negro problem-lies in the correction of the immorality, crime andd laziness among the Negroes themselves, which still remains as a heritage from slavery. We believe that only earnest and long continued efforts on our own part can cure these social ills.
6. We believe that the second great step toward a better adjustment of the relations between the races should be a more impartial selection of ability in the economic and intellectual world, and a greater respect for personal liberty and worth, regardless of race. We believe that only earnes efforts on the part of the white people of this country will bring much needed reform in these matters.
7. On the basis of the foregoing declaration, and firmly believing in our high destiny, we, as American Negroes, are resolved to strive in every honorable way for the realization of the best and highest aims, for the development of strong manhood and pure womanhood, and for the rearing of a race ideal in America and Africa, to the glory of God and the uplifting of the Negro people." p. 46-47

In W. E. B. Du Bois Reader

Edited by Eric J. Sundquist

Oxford University Press, Inc, 1996