Political Quotes

W.E.B. Du Bois: Of death the Negro showed little fear, but talked of it familiarly and even fondly as simply a crossing of the waters…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1903
Of death the Negro showed little fear, but talked of it familiarly and even fondly as simply a crossing of the waters, perhaps—who knows?—back to his ancient forests again.
Said by
W.E.B. Du Bois

Editor's note · Context

Du Bois describes the unique perspective enslaved people held regarding death, viewing it as a familiar transition rather than a source of fear.

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