Who was W.E.B. Du Bois, and what was a key concept he promoted?

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the NAACP who significantly contributed to discussions about race, identity, and social justice in the United States. One of his key concepts was the "Talented Tenth," which emphasized the need for a leadership class among African Americans. Du Bois believed that a small percentage of the African American population, those with advanced education and skills, should take the responsibility of leading the community towards equality and civil rights.

By promoting this concept, Du Bois argued that education and leadership were essential for the advancement of African Americans, countering criticisms of Black people's capabilities and contributions to society. This idea influenced many movements for civil rights, indicating the importance of educated leaders who could advocate for the rights and interests of the broader community.

The other choices, while related to figures and themes in African American history, do not accurately capture Du Bois’s pivotal role or ideas. His influence was primarily rooted in sociological analysis and active engagement in civil rights rather than in the arts, politics alone, or Southern literature specifically.