The Negro in Business: A Landmark Study of African American Entrepreneurship
At the turn of the 20th century, the economic landscape for African Americans was marked by both immense challenge and resilient growth. One of the primary documents capturing this era is The Negro in Business, a book published in 1907 by the influential leader and educator Booker T. Washington.
Published by Hertel, Jenkins & Company, this work serves as a historical record of black commercial activity during a period of systemic transition. Today, the significance of this text is preserved in prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Key Facts
- Author: Booker T. Washington.
- Original Publication Year: 1907.
- Original Publisher: Hertel, Jenkins & Company.
- Republished: 1969 by Afro-Am Press.
- Archival Locations: Smithsonian NMAAHC and the Schomburg Center.
The Evolution of the Study
The 1907 book was not an isolated effort but part of a broader intellectual movement to document the economic status of African Americans. Prior to Washington's book, W. E. B. DuBois—while serving as a professor at Atlanta University—edited a study also titled "The Negro in Business" in 1899. This earlier work focused on the specific experiences and achievements of African American businessmen.
Washington's own contributions to the subject evolved over time. In 1906, before the full book was released, an article titled "The Negro in Business" was published by the Colver Publishing House and The Colored American Magazine.
Collaborations Between Washington and DuBois
Despite their differing philosophies on social advancement, Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois collaborated on several critical academic projects. Their joint efforts aimed to provide a comprehensive look at the socio-economic conditions of the era.
Notable collaborations include:
- The Negro Problem (1903)
- The Negro in the South (1907)
Publication Summary
| Year | Work/Event | Key Figure(s) | Publisher/Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1899 | The Negro in Business (Study) | W. E. B. DuBois | Atlanta University |
| 1903 | The Negro Problem | Washington & DuBois | Collaborative Work |
| 1906 | The Negro in Business (Article) | Booker T. Washington | Colver Publishing House |
| 1907 | The Negro in Business (Book) | Booker T. Washington | Hertel, Jenkins & Company |
| 1907 | The Negro in the South | Washington & DuBois | Collaborative Work |
| 1969 | The Negro in Business (Reprint) | Booker T. Washington | Afro-Am Press |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the 1907 book The Negro in Business?
The 1907 book was written by Booker T. Washington and published by Hertel, Jenkins & Company.
Did W. E. B. DuBois also produce a work with this title?
Yes, in 1899, while he was a professor at Atlanta University, W. E. B. DuBois edited a study of African American businessmen titled "The Negro in Business."
Where can original copies of the book be found today?
Copies are held by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Did Washington and DuBois work together on other projects?
Yes, they collaborated on two other significant works: "The Negro Problem" in 1903 and "The Negro in the South" in 1907.
Was the book ever republished in the modern era?
Yes, the book was republished in 1969 by Afro-Am Press.