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Of Alexander Crummell

© Nichel Anderson

Then from the Dawn it seemed there came, but faint, As from beyond the limit of the world, Like the last echo born of a great cry, Sounds, as if some fair city were one voice Around a king returning from his wars. TENNYSON.

There are not too many people, issues, and subject matter that W.E.B. Du Bois soley admires. Du Bois is an intelligent man and a compassionate man on causes that affects the human race. He is a courageous man that stands up to any person, group or nation for that matter. So his attempt in the essay: "Of Alexander Crummell" provides the reader into the heart of W.E.B. Du Bois of the man named Alexander Crummell.

W.E.B. Du Bois is excited and spiritually moved of the journey and accomplishment of Mr. Alexander Crummell to the mission of equality for humanity. In the beginning of Du Bois essay it states:

"THIS is the history of a human heart,-the tale of a black boy who many long years ago began to struggle with life that he might know the world and know himself. Three temptations he met on those dark dunes that lay gray and dismal before the wonder-eyes of the child: the temptation of Hate, that stood out against the red dawn; the temptation of Despair, that darkened noonday; and the temptation of Doubt, that ever steals along with twilight.

Du Bois makes no mistake in the body of his essay; "Of Alexander Crummell" to list the particulars of the period in review where an opportunity arises for Crummell to a differance in history. He outlines the obstacles and the non-believers during this time period in a convincing way to what an achievement this was to motivate, encourage, and enlighten others. He writes:

"I saw Alexander Crummell first at a Wilberforce commencement season, amid its bustle and crush. Tall, frail, and black he stood, with simple dignity and an unmistakable air of good breeding. I talked with him apart, where the storming of the lusty young orators could not harm us. I spoke to him politely, then curiously, then eagerly, as I began to feel the fineness of his character,-his calm courtesy, the sweetness of his strength, and his fair blending of the hope and truth of life. Instinctively I bowed before this man, as one bows before the prophets of the world. Some seer he seemed, that came not from the crimson Past or the gray To-come, but from the pulsing Now..."

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