The Educated Negro and His Mission The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers No. 8   By: W. S. (William Sanders) Scarborough (1852-1926)

In "The Educated Negro and His Mission: The American Negro Academy," W. S. Scarborough eloquently delves into the challenges faced by educated African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the eighth entry in the Occasional Papers series by The American Negro Academy, this book presents a thought-provoking analysis of the role and responsibilities of the educated Negro in American society.

Scarborough, a highly educated black man himself, shares his personal experiences and reflections on the opportunities and limitations faced by African Americans of his time. He skillfully intertwines anecdotes and historical context to bring to light the struggles encountered by educated individuals within their communities, highlighting the delicate balance between education, social expectations, and the pursuit of racial progress.

The central theme of "The Educated Negro and His Mission" revolves around the idea that education should not be viewed as a merely personal accomplishment but rather as a means to uplift the entire race. Scarborough argues that African Americans who have had the privilege of education have a moral obligation to leverage their newfound knowledge for the betterment of their people.

Throughout the book, Scarborough raises important questions about the responsibility of the educated Negro, emphasizing the need for them to actively engage in advocacy and social upliftment. He explores issues such as racial inequality, the importance of moral character, and the value of uplifting black communities through education, economic empowerment, and leadership.

One of the book's notable strengths is Scarborough's ability to strike a balance between his personal insights and scholarly analysis. His own experiences as a former slave who rose to prominence as an educator give the book a unique perspective and authenticity. However, Scarborough further bolsters his arguments through meticulous research, referencing historical figures, events, and sociopolitical contexts that greatly influence his conclusions.

"The Educated Negro and His Mission" is not without flaws, though. At times, the prose can be a little dense, and some readers may struggle with the convoluted sentence structures and language. Additionally, Scarborough's focus on the elite-educated Negro may inadvertently exclude those who did not have access to traditional forms of education due to systemic barriers.

Nevertheless, this book remains a critical piece in understanding the academic discourse of the early African American intellectual movement. Scarborough's insightful perspectives and thought-provoking arguments provide valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities of educated African Americans striving for racial progress in a time of oppression and prejudice.

Overall, "The Educated Negro and His Mission: The American Negro Academy" is a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in the history of African American intellectual thought, the pursuit of education as a means of racial upliftment, and the lasting impact of early black scholars in paving the way for future generations.

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The consequence is that, in this determined reach for all that humanity craves for itself and for its civilization, the oscillations of thought and endeavor are oftimes marked by notable extremes. Especially has this been true in lines of education. Again and again has it been sought to wheel the educational car upon new tracks where exaggerated views, revolutionary ideas, radical methods have caused the eyes of the world to be focused upon the attempt, and no movement within the arc that the world's opinions have traversed has been unnoticed... Continue reading book >>