By Cay Leytham-Powell

Principal
Reiland Rabaka

Collaboration + support
Center for African & African American Studies (the CAAAS, and commonly called the Cause)

Reiland Rabaka,, W.E.B. Du BoisW.E.B. Du Bois is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the modern era—and yet, most of his legacy has been confined to his scholarly work within racial studies. A new book from Reiland Rabaka, an ethnic studies professor and the founding director of the Center for African & African American Studies, challenges that narrative, reframing Du Bois as a foundational figure in an important modern topic: intersectionality.

Intersectionality is the study of how social groupings like gender, race and class intersect and overlap, especially as they pertain to systems of oppression. This new book, Du Bois: A Critical Introduction, argues that, while not fully formed and a bit disjointed, Du Bois’ work was undeniably foundational for this contemporary concept.

Photos:ÌýReiland Rabaka, professor, foundingÌýdirector of the CAAAS and author ofÌýDu Bois: A Critical Introduction;ÌýCivil Rights leader W.E.B Du Bois.

Photo byÌýLibrary of Congress