31 July 1946
My dear Mr. Ambedkar:
I have your letter concerning the case of the Negroes of America and the Untouchables in India before the United Nations. As you say a small organization of American Negroes, the National Negro Congress, has already made a statement which I am enclosing. I think, however, that a much more comprehensive statement well documented will eventually be laid before the United Nations by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. If this is done I shall be glad to send you a copy.
I have often heard of your name and work and of course have every sympathy with the Untouchables of India. I shall be glad to be of any service I can render if possible in the future.
Very sincerely yours,
W. E. B. Du Bois
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Rajgrah
Hindu Colony
Dadar
Bombay, India
About This Letter
Historical Context
This letter is Du Bois's response to Ambedkar's inquiry about the Negro petition to the United Nations. Written on the same day as Ambedkar's original letter, it shows the immediacy and importance both leaders placed on international civil rights cooperation.
Significance
This response demonstrates Du Bois's international perspective on civil rights and his recognition of the parallels between racial oppression in America and caste oppression in India. It marks an early example of global civil rights solidarity.
About W.E.B. Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was the first African American to earn a PhD from Harvard University. A founding member of the NAACP, he was a leading intellectual voice in the fight for civil rights and Pan-Africanism.
About Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956) was writing from Bombay where he was practicing law and advocating for Dalit rights, one year before becoming the chief architect of India's Constitution.
Additional Resources
- Original Letter on Wikimedia Commons Scan of the original typed letter
- Ambedkar's Original Letter The letter this responds to
- National Negro Congress The organization Du Bois mentions in his response