Du Bois Publishes Controversial 'Close Ranks' Editorial

W.E.B. Du Bois published his controversial 'Close Ranks' editorial in The Crisis in July 1918, urging Black Americans to set aside their grievances and support the war effort. The editorial drew sharp criticism from A. Philip Randolph, Hubert Harrison, and others who argued Black Americans should demand rights in exchange for service. The debate reflected deep tensions over strategy within Black leadership.