This article details Vassar hosted another Black speaker, Dr. W. E. B DuBois, Head of the Department of Sociology at Atlanta University in 1942. It describes that he lectured at both Vassar and Yale. At Vassar, it is written that he demanded democracy for African Americans. This was an incredibly radical topic for an institution that just officially integrated two years prior. It is progressive in the sense that this topic was spoken about on campus. However, there was no action on Vassar’s part at this time to make real progression in terms of racial equity. This was another instance of Vassar allowing a Black speaker on campus, but not doing much more in terms of social justice.
Full Article
Dr. DuBois At Vassar And Yale
The Chicago Defender (National edition) (1921-1967);
May 2, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Chicago Defender
pg. 4
DuBois, head of the department of sociology, Atlanta University and editor of Phylon, is lecturing this week at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and at Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
At Vassar he spoke on The Future of Africa in America and emphasizing the demand for democracy on the part of the thirty million persons of African descent on the American continent.
At Yale he is conducting Professor Kennedy’s class on “American Society”; then after a dinner given by the Graduate club, he addresses the club and its friends on The Future of Europe in Africa.
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