W. E. B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was a pioneering African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and writer, known for his influential role in the early civil rights movement. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he studied the experiences and challenges faced by African Americans. Du Bois co-founded the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in 1909 and served as the editor of its magazine, The Crisis, which became a vital platform for African American voices. His seminal work, “The Souls of Black Folk,” published in 1903, challenged prevailing racial stereotypes and advocated for the education and empowerment of African Americans. A proponent of Pan-Africanism, Du Bois worked tirelessly for global racial equality and was a key figure in organizing the Pan-African Congresses. His contributions to sociology, literature, and civil rights have left a lasting impact on American society and continue to inspire movements for social justice today.