"Of the Coming of John." W.E.B. DuBois. 1903.

10-second review: John, a young black man, has been educated at a black college to think and to question. When he returns home to the South from college, he is met by the stone wall of racial prejudice—and cruelty.

Quote. The Judge: “Now, John, the question is, are you, with your education and Northern notions, going to accept the situation and teach the darkies to be faithful servants and laborers as you fathers were…?” p. 15.

Comment: A drama of the black experience in America. RayS.]

Best American Essays of the Century. Editors: Oates and Atwan. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000.