Whatever Happened to W.E.B. Du Bois' 2 Children

What happened to W.E.B. Du Bois’ two children? Behind the towering legacy of the civil rights pioneer and scholar lies a story of heartbreak, resilience, and family love. Du Bois, the man behind The Souls of Black Folk, experienced both devastating tragedy and quiet triumph as a father.

In this video, we explore the untold family story of W.E.B. Du Bois:

Burghardt Du Bois (1897–1899) – His beloved first-born son, who died tragically at just 18 months old after being denied medical care in segregated Atlanta. The loss became a turning point, fueling Du Bois’s lifelong fight against racism and injustice.

Yolande Du Bois (1900–1961) – His only surviving child, who lived through fame, love, heartbreak, and resilience. From her headline-making marriage to Harlem Renaissance poet Countee Cullen, to single motherhood, to her career as an educator, Yolande’s life revealed the challenges of growing up in her father’s shadow.

From grief that sharpened his activism to a daughter who carried forward his legacy, the story of Burghardt and Yolande gives us a rare, personal glimpse into the family life of one of America’s greatest thinkers.

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