How were African Americans to achieve freedom and equality, prosperity, and full citizenship after emancipation from slavery?

GENERAL STRATEGY

Choose a general strategy. Here are two options:

Strategy One: The Individual Approach

Each person must take responsibility for his or her own fortunes. After all, the individual has the strongest motive to advance because the individual is the one who will enjoy the fruits of "progress." The more that individual ex-slaves strive to improve their condition, the closer they will move to freedom, equality, prosperity, and citizenship.

Strategy Two: The Collective Approach

The individual must identify with the larger group to advance the fortunes of all members simultaneously. That way, individuals employ their combined energy and resources to promote progress for the collectivity. The more that ex-slaves work together to stop racism and improve their condition, the greater the likelihood that they will advance toward liberty, equality, prosperity, and citizenship.

`Make Your Choice`

Booker T. Washington Individual Approach

W.E.B. DuBois

Collective Approach