Chapter 12, "Going Over Niagara: Du Bois and Washington" Summary and Analysis

Du Bois has dinner with Washington and his third wife in their fancy home. This is surprising because Du Bois has so recently published The Souls of Black Folk, which contradicts Washington's position. Washington is rolling in money at the moment because he has recently come from a fundraiser at Madison Square Garden where ex-president Grover Cleveland has announced that laziness is the main reason for black problems. Washington has kept his mouth shut even if this offends him. Other famous people insult blacks, but Washington says nothing to argue with them.

Monroe Trotter and George Forbes have had enough of Washington's power and publish The Boston Guardian mostly to fight the Booker fans they call Bookerites. Trotter interrupts a Louisville African American council meeting...