Giving Birth To W.E.B. DuBois

One of the books I’m currently reading is"W.E.B. Du Bois, Biography of a Race" by David Levering Lewis, a comprehensive and detailed biography of prominent Black activist, sociologist, and historian W.B.E. Du Bois. I, in fact, recently featured it in my sister publication “Black Books, Black Minds” 

In this book, Lewis provides an in-depth look into the life and times of Du Bois, including the influence of his mother, Mary Silvina Burghardt Du Bois.

Mary Silvina was a figure of strength and resilience, shaping Du Bois's early life and values. Born to a part-Haitian father and a Dutch-African mother, she grew up in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a predominantly white town. 

Despite the racial prejudices of the time, Mary Silvina maintained a sense of dignity and self-worth, which she passed on to her son. Her mixed-race heritage and the racial dynamics of her environment influenced Du Bois's later work on race and identity.

Mary Silvinia Burghhardt Du Bois, with her sister and infant son William (W.E.B Du Bois)

The book describes Mary Silvina as a hardworking and devout woman. After her husband, Alfred Du Bois, left the family, she single-handedly raised their son. Her struggles with poverty and social exclusion due to her race and widowhood were significant factors that shaped Du Bois's understanding of racial and economic injustices. 

Moreover, Mary Silvina's commitment to her son's education played a crucial role in Du Bois's early development. She encouraged his intellectual pursuits and supported his education, instilling in him the importance of academic excellence and social responsibility. This nurturing environment was fundamental in the formation of Du Bois's character and his later achievements.

Lewis's portrayal in the book of Mary Silvina is not just a biography of a mother but also a reflection of the Black experience in the 19th century. Her life story, as depicted in the book, underscores the challenges faced by Black women during this era – challenges of racism, poverty, and single parenthood. Yet, through her resilience and dedication, Mary Silvina emerged as a symbol of strength, profoundly impacting her son's path to becoming a leading figure in the fight for racial equality.

In summary, Mary Silvina, as presented in David Levering Lewis's "W.E.B. Du Bois, Biography of a Race," is a pivotal figure in understanding the early life and influences of Du Bois. Her story is a testament to the strength of African-American women and their role in shaping future leaders against the backdrop of a racially divided America.

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