Chapter 7: A Glimpse At Freedom, Through the Window of Race in Society And Education: Du Bois’ Mansart Builds a School

In this chapter I attempt to show how W.E.B. Du Bois uses the framework of a novel to indicate to the reader that the Negro project is not yet finished, and he provides us a glimpse through the novel that allows us to peer through the window. He wanted to convey through his last project the depth of race, class, gender, spirituality, economics, and political issues that plagued and still plague American society. What is the purpose of a flame? A flame has the ability to destroy, restore, and replenish. Du Bois’ final works include three novels called “The Black Flame Trilogy.” These novels provide a glimpse into the historical counter-curriculum and hidden curriculum of the Negro community. The metaphorical use of the word “flame” signifies the destruction of the peonage of the Negro race, and how its members were able to restore and replenish their community through the use of education as means of social mobility. The path and journey that Du Bois articulates in his trilogy speak to the advancement of the Negro race and society at-large.