Leading Adult and Community Educators

Katie Ferguson commented on: Group 1 & Group 4
Antonette Payne commented on:Group 2 and Group 4

Leading Adult Educators

Katie Ferguson and Antonette Payne

Ball State University

W.E.B. Dubois

(February 23, 1868-August 27, 1963)

Background

William Edward Burghardt Dubois (W.E.B. Dubois) made his biggest contributions during the first half of the twentieth century. His life began during the Reconstruction Era which was arguably a time when African-Americans had a short period of political influence. He saw recently added Civil War Amendments disregarded and grappled to gain educational equality for African Americans. He died the day before Martin Luther King, Jr gave his famous “I have a Dream” speech (Library of Congress, 2014). 

Du Bois was born in Great Barrington, MA on February 23, 1868 (NAACP, 2014).   Although he lived in a primarily European community he self-identified as mulatto. He freely attended school with whites until he moved to Tennessee to attend Fisk University at the age of sixteen (Biography.com, 2014). It is here where he started to analyze the trouble of racism in America. He left Fisk to attend Harvard University; he used earnings from summer jobs, scholarships and loans in order to attend. He also spent time at the University of Berlin where he gained new political perspectives. He received his Ph.D. in History from Harvard in 1895.

During most of his life, African-American had few rights and political power. Despite Constitutional Amendments that would suggest otherwise (13^th Amendment (1865) abolishing slavery, 14^th Amendment (1868) granting citizenship to African-Americans, and 15^th Amendment (1870) allowing African-American men the right to vote) African-Americans were not treated equal in the United States (United States Senate, 2014).  Only a year after he graduated from Harvard the Supreme Court ruled in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that the states could require separate accommodations for blacks and whites. He however, saw that decision reversed in 1954 in the case of Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka Kansas. Much of this influenced his philosophy on education and the belief that the best means to improve one’s life was through education.

            Dr. DuBois tireless efforts for educational equality and self-imposed exile for his beliefs are why I was interested in learning more about this great educator.

Perspectives:

Dr. DuBois main educational philosophy was that there should be equal treatment of the races, especially in respect to education (NAACP, 2014). “We cannot base the education of future citizens on the present inexcusable inequality of wealth nor on physical differences of race (Du Bois, 1992, p. 60).” He believed that education was a way for minorities to overcome oppression (University of Massachusetts Amherst , 2014).  Unlike his colleague Booker T. Washington, he criticized vocational and technical education and preferred higher education as the best means to achieve social and intellectual equality. 

Dr. DuBois also believed that to achieve this idea of equality, African-Americans needed to help themselves. “The responsibility for their (African-Americans) own social regeneration ought to be placed largely upon the shoulders of the Negro people (DuBois, 1903, p. 409).” He believed that there should be free public education and a sufficient number of Negro colleges.

The most import perspective to be taken away from Dr. DuBois was just how important education truly is in the uplifting of people. “Wealth is not the only thing worth accumulating; experience and knowledge can be accumulated and handed down, and no people can be truly rich without them” (DuBois, 1903, p. 413).

Contributions:

While Dr. DuBois contributed to adult education and society as a whole, his lasting legacy has been in his writings. He wrote 21 books and published over 100 essays and articles. In 1899 while an assistant instructor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, Du Bois published the first case study on the African-American community, “The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study.” It was in this work that he coined the term “the talented tenth,” which stated that only 1 in 10 black men would become leaders of their race (Biography.com, 2014). While still teaching at Atlanta University, Dr. DuBois also wrote Souls of Black Folk, which gave his views on race, labor and culture. It was this work that demonstrated his opposition to another prominent African-American Scholar, Booker T. Washington (Holt, 2014).

 In addition to his writing, Dr. DuBois was active in social change. He was one of the founding members of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP, 2014). He served as the editor of the NAACP’s monthly magazine, The Crisis (Biography.com, 2014).  He used the platform of The Crisis to rally support for NAACP policies and programs while highlighting race relations and African-American culture and social life (Holt, 2014). The NAACP’s mission was and is to “ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination (NAACP, 2014).” It was because of the NAACP’s commitment to integration and Dr. DuBois later stance on African American nationalist strategy that he evidential resigned in 1934 (NAACP, 2014).

After leaving the NAACP, Dr. DuBois dedicated much of his time to the Pan-Africanism and the Pan-African congresses which focused on the fate of African colonies post war. He chaired the African-Aid Committee and was an active opponent to apartheid in South Africa. He also helped organize the Cultural and Scientific Conference for World Peace in March 1949 (Holt, 2014).  In 1953, he received the International Peace Prize from the World Counsel on Peace and in 1962 he received the Lenin Peace Prize.

Implications:

While we have come a long way from the times of Dr. DuBois, the idea of equality in education is still as important today as it was then. His belief that higher education was more important to improve the quality of life for the poor “Negro” can be used by policymakers to increase incentives and initiatives to help students from poor and underrepresented backgrounds attend colleges and universities.

Today this can also be seen in the debate on immigration about what if any education should be provided to undocumented persons and their children. The Dream Act is legislation which is aimed at allowing children who went to school in the United States even if considered “illegal immigrants” the chance to join the armed forces or go on to higher education (Miranda, 2014). Based on the philosophy of Dr. DuBois it would be imperative for the students to get an education to better their chances at the “American Dream.”

Jane Addams

(September 6, 1860-May 21, 1935)

Background

Jane Addams grew up in an America that was changing and growing during the Civil War Era. Many immigrants had begun coming to America in Addam’s time, “From 1870 to 1920, some 26 million immigrants came to the United States…” (Rose, 2004). The United States education system was not prepared for the rapid and large changing population. Public education evolved by becoming more standardized during this time. There was tension about whether immigrant students should conform to American norms and customs, but more progressive educators saw diversity as an asset (Rose, 2004). Industrialization and urbanization also was widespread in the cities of the United States. This and the rapid population growth caused problems not only for education but for cities. Businesses in cities that struggled with assimilation of immigrants often felt tension due to the influx of people. This tension led to labor strikes due to poor working conditions and opportunity (including the Great Upheaval of 1877 and Chicago’s Haymarket Riot in 1886), and social conflict. Chicago was known to be one of the most violent and polarizing cities at this time (Baughman, Bondi, Layman, McConnell, & Tompkins, 1998). These combined situations allowed for Jane Addams to become a well-known activist and educator in Chicago at this time. Having previously studied Jane Addams in a Introduction to Philanthropic Studies course, I chose Addams to learn more about her educational impact as well.

Profile

            Jane Addams was an activist, founder of the Hull House, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Addams grew up in Illinois in a prominent family (Zilversmit, 2003). Her mother died when she was young, but she developed a very close relationship with her father, John Huy Addams. John Huy Addams was a man who owned his own business, supported Abraham Lincoln, and was active in the local community (Zilversmit, 2003). These characteristics and attitudes heavily influenced young Jane Addams as she looked up to her father and sought to be like him. Addams attended Rockford Seminary, a women’s college that focused on teaching women to be wives and homemakers, at the wishes of her father. After graduation, Addams father died and she also suffered with significant back problems (Baughman et al., 1998). Addams abandoned her dreams of enrolling in Smith College and instead enrolled at Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia. Addams ended up dropping out, but continued to pursue academic goals. The turning point for Addams came in late 1887. After previously traveling to Europe in 1883, Addams decided to travel to Europe a second time only four years later with her college friend Ellen Gates Starr (Jane Addams, 1992). These two trips combined gave Addams the insight, example, and motivation found one of the most powerful establishments for the poor in the U.S.

Perspectives

Addams gained a lot of perspective on education during her trips to Europe, both her own education and education for others. Addams observed severe poverty and settlement houses that were built to alleviate some of this poverty. She also was impressed by the women and the work they were doing in Europe. Addams believed that “an adequate education should not be disconnected from the ultimate test of the conduct it inspired” (Addams, 2003). The conduct she mentions is the social responsibility individuals should have for each other and those who are poverty stricken among other ideals. This idea led Addams, with college friend Ellen Gates Starr, to found the settlement house called the Hull House in 1889 (Addams, 1992). Addams initially founded the Hull House with the idea of providing immigrants, poverty stricken, and women with educational opportunities that were meant to be uplifting morally. However, because Addams recognized the value in assessing learners needs, she quickly was able to adapt her curriculum to cater to the students (Rose, 2004). This shows Addams willingness to learn from the students and her educational beliefs that allows for equal voice. This belief could be due to her father’s influence on her at a young age to mingle amongst class lines.

Contributions and Impact

            The Hull House was the main contribution Jane Addams made to adult education during her time period. However, the Hull House and Addam’s methods continue to have a lasting impact on the United States. The Hull House opened its doors to over 50,000 people in its first year alone (Jane Addams, 1992). The Hull House offered a little bit of everything to its tenenants: childcare training, cultural classes, financial advice, career training, vocational options, and even spiritual opportunities. The Hull House was a mecca for immigrants, poor, women, and children (Jane Addams, 1998). Addams brought lasting change to women’s role in society by helping women develop meaningful careers and pursue educational opportunities. Not only was the Hull House a resource for the local people, but also became the center for national reform for the underprivileged. In 1912, Addams became a delegate for the Progressive Party that helped get Theodore Roosevelt as a candidate for presidency (Jane Addams, 1998).

Implications

            Jane Addams was a nurturing, creative, and passionate educator. Her work can inform adult education in many practical ways. One of the most basic themes that Jane Addams showed through her educational practices was that curriculum should meet the needs of the learners. Addams strove to create learning opportunities that were meaningful to her “students”. She allowed students to have voice in their education and learning which is powerful. Educators should also notice how Addams instilled social and moral responsibility into her learners. Jane Addams was not afraid to take risks, experience new cultures, and find out the needs of the people by working with the people.

Table 1. Summary of Leading Adult Educators

	W.E.B. DuBois (Antonette Payne)	Jane Addams (Katie Ferguson)
Time Period	1868-1963 Reconstruction Era, Civil Rights Movement	1860-1935 Civil Rights Era, Influx of immigrants to the U.S., Period of Industrialization and Urbanization
Background	“mulatto” who attended primarily white schools in New England. Valedictorian of his high school.	·         Daughter of John Huy Addams- wealthy business man. ·         Mother died at young age. ·         Grew up in Illinois
Profile	First African-American to receive a PhD from Harvard. Work tireless on equality in education.	·         Attended Rockford Seminary and briefly Women’s Medical College ·         Traveled abroad to Europe twice.
Perspectives	Education is the key to overcoming oppression. African-Americans need to help themselves. Higher Education is preferred over vocational opportunities.	·         Education should be connected to issues of society. ·         Education should be offered to all and should be accepting of and account for diverse cultures, views, and norms. ·         Curriculum should meet learners’ needs.
Contributions	Founder of NAACP Writer of books, and essays, journals.	·         Founded the Hull House with Ellen Gates Starr in 1889 which was the first settlement house in the United States to help educate and meet the needs of the poor, immigrants, women, and children in Chicago, Illinois.
Impact	NAACP provided education and legal support which has had impacts on integration of schools and educational policies.	·         Hull House became a center for local and national reform for the underprivileged. ·         Educated underprivileged to bridge gap. ·         Made significant progress for women and immigrants educationally and financially.
Implications	Education is the key to empower and improving one’s life.	·         Education and curriculum should reflect the needs of the learners. ·         Individuals have a social and moral responsibility to help bridge gaps amongst society.

References

Baughman, J.S., Bondi, V., Laymnan, R., McConnell, & Tompkins, V. (1998). Jane Addams. American Decades. Detroit: Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=BIC1&contentModules=&dviSelectedPage=&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&disableHighlighting=&displayGroups=&sortBy=&zid=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CK1602000209&source=Bookmark&u=colu64804&jsid=21dc9381c9d959faa7e5855cef4a790d

Biography.com. (2014, February 16). W.E.B. DuBois biography. Retrieved from Biography.com: http://www.biography.com/people/web-du-bois-9279924

Du Bois, W.E.B. (1992). The World of W.E.B. DuBois: A Quotation Source Book. Westport: Greenwood Press.

DuBois, W. E.B. (1903). The Training of the Negroes for Social Power. The Outlook, 409.

Holt, T. C. (2014, February 17). About W.E.B. DuBois. Retrieved from W.E.B. DuBois Reseach Institute at the Hutchins Center: http://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/dubois/about-w-e-b-du-bois

“Jane Addams.” (1992). In contemporary heroes and heroines (Vol. 2). Detroit: Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?query=&contentModules=&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&disableHighlighting=true&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=2&catId=GALE%7C00000000MRRB&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CK1607000007&source=Bookmark&u=colu64804&jsid=ab25d7674ea76e5128611f251e385fc3.

 “Jane Addams.” (1994). In Historic World Leaders. Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=BIC1&contentModules=&dviSelectedPage=&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&zid=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CK1616000022&source=Bookmark&u=colu64804&jsid=9082e4a967da45a53ae6d57b568572d3.

Library of Congress. (2014, February 14). America's Stories from America's Library. Retrieved from America's library: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/dubois/aa_dubois_subj.html

Miranda, L. (2014, February 17). Get Facts on the Dream Act. Retrieved from The White House Blog: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/12/01/get-facts-dream-act

NAACP. (2014, February 14). NAACP History: W.E.B. Dubois . Retrieved from NAACP.org: http://www.naacp.org/pages/naacp-history-w.e.b.-dubois

NAACP. (2014, February 16). Our Mission. Retrieved from NAACP: http://www.naacp.org/pages/our-mission

Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (U.S. Supreme Court May 18, 1896).

Rose, C. (2004). Jane Addams and education of immigrants. American Decades Primary Sources, 4, 178-180. Detroit:Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/PrimarySourcesDetailsPage/PrimarySourcesDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=BIC1&contentModules=&displayGroupName=PrimarySources&limiter=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CCX3490200676&source=Bookmark&u=colu64804&jsid=a65d1d4fcd7d620f2ab669a2d84e4731

United States Senate. (2014, February 16). Landmark Legislation: Thirteenth, Fourteenth, & Fifteenth Amendments. Retrieved from United States Senate: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/CivilWarAmendments.htm

University of Massachusetts Amherst . (2014, February 16). About Du Bois. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts Amherst: http://www.library.umass.edu/spcoll/dubois/?page_id=861

Zilversmit, A. (2003). Jane Addams. Encyclopedia of Education. Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=BIC1&contentModules=&dviSelectedPage=&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&zid=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CK3403200025&source=Bookmark&u=colu64804&jsid=5e90b5e203ec7ff6adaa6666abd72f1d.