In this founding work in the literature of black protest, Du Bois eloquently affirms that it is beneath the dignity of a human being to beg for those rights that belong inherently to all mankind. He also charges that the strategy of accommodation to white supremacy would only serve to perpetuate black oppression.

Originally published: Chicago : A.C. McClurg, 1903. With new introd.

Of our spiritual strivings -- Of the dawn of freedom -- Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and others -- Of the meaning of progress -- Of the wings of Atalanta -- Of the training of black men -- Of the black belt -- Of the quest of the golden fleece -- Of the sons of master and man -- Of the faith of the fathers -- Of the passing of the first-born -- Of Alexander Crummell -- Of the coming of John -- The sorrow songs.