W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and writer who played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and racial equality in the United States. He was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as the editor of its magazine, The Crisis.

Du Bois was a leading voice in the fight against racial discrimination and inequality, and he used his platform to advocate for full civil rights for African Americans. He was a fierce critic of Booker T. Washington's accommodationist approach to civil rights and argued for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.

Du Bois was also a prolific author and wrote several influential books, including "The Souls of Black Folk," which is considered a groundbreaking work in the field of African American literature. He was a pioneering scholar in the study of race and racism and made significant contributions to the fields of sociology and history.

Overall, W.E.B. Du Bois made lasting contributions to the advancement of civil rights and racial equality in the United States, and his work continues to inspire activists and scholars today.