-Baltimore Afro-American, May 30, 1936

Carter G. Woodson viciously attacked W.E.B. DuBois for allegedly stealing his ideas for an Encyclopedia Africana, although Woodson claimed his ideas originated in 1921, and DuBois started his plans in 1909. (www.blackpast.org) Woodson received his Harvard degree after DuBois, and professional jealousy may have been involved.

DuBois had other problems, especially his reputation as a radical, pushing his own agenda. The Carnegie Corporation, and others, failed to provide the $225,000 estimated cost of the project. DuBois eventually moved to Ghana in 1961, and died in 1963, before his project was ever realized.

Three volumes of biographies were published in Ghana before the end of the 20th century, a partial fulfillment. “African American Lives” (Gates and Higginbotham, eds.) was published in 2004. The online Encyclopedia was established, and its progeny thrive today.

Writers can often think ahead of their time. Many writers feel the conflict between writing what they want to write, and writing to please others. (Virginia Woolf) DuBois didn’t get everything he wanted, but his writings, and reputation, are long-lasting. May his ghost be satisfied.