W.E.B. Du Bois fought passionately for full civil rights, increased political representation, and a purposeful education for Black Americans based on theoretical models and philosophies that were aligned with and responsive to the most pressing needs of the Black community. This discussion provides an overview of the educational philosophy of W.E.B. Du Bois, specifically as it relates to his belief in the civic mission of higher education and its purpose to uplift the Black community. It examines the ways Du Bois' educational philosophy, social activism, and life's work spoke to the public purpose of higher education.