As an expert in the field of African American history and academia, I have a deep understanding of the milestones and achievements of black scholars in the United States. The question you've asked is a significant one, as it pertains to a pivotal moment in the history of both Harvard University and African American education.
To answer your question, W.E.B. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He achieved this remarkable feat in 1895, which was a groundbreaking accomplishment at a time when racial segregation and discrimination were deeply entrenched in American society.

Du Bois's academic journey was not without its challenges. He was a man of many talents and interests, and his intellectual pursuits spanned a wide range of fields, including history, sociology, economics, and political science. His doctoral dissertation, titled "The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade to the United States of America, 1638-1870," was a comprehensive study that shed light on a dark period in American history.

After completing his Ph.D., Du Bois continued his academic pursuits and enrolled as a doctoral student at Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, which is now known as Humboldt-Universität in Berlin. His international exposure and the perspectives he gained from studying abroad further enriched his understanding of global issues and the African diaspora.

It is worth noting that Du Bois was not only an academic but also a civil rights activist, a sociologist, and a prolific writer. His work, particularly "The Souls of Black Folk," is considered a seminal text in African American literature and has had a profound impact on the understanding of the African American experience.

In recognition of his lifetime of contributions to academia and civil rights, Du Bois was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Humboldt University in 1958. This honor not only acknowledged his scholarly achievements but also his role as a global thinker and advocate for social justice.

Du Bois's legacy continues to inspire and influence scholars and activists today. His pioneering work in the field of African American studies has laid the foundation for countless researchers and has helped to shape the discourse on race, inequality, and social justice in America and beyond.

In conclusion, W.E.B. Du Bois's groundbreaking Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895 marked a significant milestone in the history of African American education and civil rights. His life and work continue to be a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of education to break down barriers and promote social change.

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Du Bois became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895, and went on to enroll as a doctoral student at Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universit?t (now Humboldt-Universit?t). (He would be awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Humboldt decades later, in 1958.)Jan 19, 2018read more >>