W.E.B. Du Bois was an American sociologist and civil rights activist who rose to prominence as the leader of the Niagara Movement. He also co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. He was the first African-American to obtain a doctorate degree, and was the first to ever record a scientific study based on the African American community. He later became the leader of the Niagara movement, campaigning for equal rights for African Americans. 

Frederick Douglass broke away from the shackles of slavery to become one of the leaders of the abolitionist movement in 19th century U.S. He strongly believed in the principle of equality and was of the view that all human beings, irrespective of race, gender, and nationality, are created equal. He became involved with the American Anti-Slavery Society and published his autobiography which became a bestseller. He extensively toured Europe and published some abolitionist newspapers. He campaigned in favor of the black’s and women’s right to vote, and eloquently defended his stance at various conventions.