W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the most prolific African-American authors, scholars, and leaders of the twentieth century. In this book, Alexander's traces the development of Du Bois' thought over time.

The early years -- The study of the Negro -- Of Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and others: a challenge of leadership -- Building movement: the NAACP, Pan-Africanism, Garvey, and a Renaissance -- The wings of Atlanta and the NAACP redux -- Marching toward peace.