NAAM’s Freedom Day celebrates history, culture, equity, and freedom while highlighting the importance of sharing these ideals with ALL members of our community. Freedom Day is a FREE admission day at NAAM offered once a month that provides a variety of community activities, museum activations, and programs for individuals and families of all ages to enjoy at no cost. NAAM uses Freedom Day to spotlight significant and sometimes lesser known moments throughout history that have worked to advance freedom for all.
Join NAAM for Freedom Day on April 18
This Freedom Day NAAM is honoring The Souls of Black Folk and the Legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. The Souls of Black Folk, published on April 18, 1903 is more than just a collection of essays. This text stands as one of the most important works of American literature, shaping discussions on race, identity, and freedom for over a century.
Following Freedom Day at 6PM join us for a compelling lecture with Seattle University Professor, Dr. Saheed Adejumobi, Ph.D., as we explore the enduring impact of W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk and Black Reconstruction—two groundbreaking works that stand as some of the most important works of American Literature, shaping discussions on race, identity, and freedom for over a century.
In Black Reconstruction, Du Bois reclaims the story of Reconstruction, highlighting the central role of Black communities in shaping democracy and resisting oppression for all. The Souls of Black Folk expands this analysis, offering a powerful reflection on identity politics, racial reconciliation, and the pursuit of equality. Together, these texts provide an unflinching critique of systemic injustice while affirming the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Dr. Adejumobi will guide us in examining the intersections of these works, drawing connections between their historical insights and the continued fight for freedom and equity today. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a powerful dialogue on the past, present, and future of American liberation.
The Impact of the Souls of Black Folk and the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois
“Would America have been America without her Negro people?”
W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk (1903)
This April, we commemorate Freedom Day by honoring the profound legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois and the enduring significance of his seminal work, The Souls of Black Folk, published on April 18, 1903. More than just a collection of essays, this text stands as one of the most important works of American literature, shaping discussions on race, identity, and freedom for over a century.
In The Souls of Black Folk, Du Bois introduced the now-famous concept of "double consciousness"—the internal conflict of being both Black and American, of seeing oneself through the lens of a society that often fails to recognize Black humanity. This concept remains highly relevant today, impacting both academia and the everyday lives of Black individuals as they navigate systems of oppression with resilience.
The book also served as a direct challenge to the prevailing racial ideologies of its time, particularly those of Booker T. Washington, who advocated for Black economic progress while accepting racial segregation. Du Bois, by contrast, called for racial understanding, higher education, and full civil rights for all citizens, laying the intellectual foundation for the Civil Rights Movement that would follow.
Beyond theory, The Souls of Black Folk is a work of deep emotional and cultural significance. It weaves history, sociology, and personal narrative together, using spirituals—often referred to as "sorrow songs"—to illustrate the pain, hope, and resilience of Black life in America. By doing so, Du Bois connected the struggles of the past to the present and made a case for the creative genius, courage, and determination of the Black community.
As we celebrate Freedom Day, we reflect on Du Bois' commitment to justice, his intellectual impact on the humanities, and how his words continue to shape our understanding of racial equity. The Souls of Black Folk is not just a historical text—it is a call to action, urging us to continue the fight for a future where Black voices, dreams, and realities are fully recognized and honored.
