W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, writer, editor and scholar. He was a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality and social justice.

*Key Contributions*

1. *Co-founder of the NAACP*: Helped establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1909).
2. *Pan-Africanism*: Advocated for global unity and empowerment of African peoples.
3. *The Souls of Black Folk* (1903): Seminal work exploring African-American identity, culture and experiences.
4. *Editor of The Crisis*: Published influential articles and essays (1910-1934).
5. *Historian*: Authored groundbreaking studies on African-American history.

*Major Works*

1. *The Philadelphia Negro* (1899): Sociological study of African-American life.
2. *The Souls of Black Folk* (1903)
3. *Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil* (1920)
4. *Black Reconstruction in America* (1935)
5. *Dusk of Dawn: An Essay Toward an Autobiography of a Race Concept* (1940)

*Awards and Honors*

1. *Spingarn Medal* (1920)
2. *Lenin Peace Prize* (1958)
3. *Honorary doctorates* from several universities

*Legacy*

1. *Civil Rights Movement*: Inspired generations of activists.
2. *African-American studies*: Pioneered scholarly research.
3. *Social justice advocacy*: Championed equality, education and economic empowerment.
4. *Literary impact*: Influenced writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

*Quotes*

1. \"The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line.\"
2. \"To be free is not merely to cast off one\'s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.\"
3. \"Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school walls.\"