City and Rural Population, 1890 Infographic
The following infographic contains data on African American population distributions in Georgia in both city and rural areas. The graphic has strong visual elements, primarily using color and shape to denote key numerical differences. Compared to today, this infograph has unconventional methods of showing data sets. W.E.B Du Bois' work addresses racial demographics in a time where information design was overlooked. This notion is particularly amplified due to the racial prejudices of his time, a period where Black intellectual and creative triumphs were systemically suppressed. This racism has perpetuated exclusionary tactics towards African Americans in academia and there is no doubt that these prejudices have prevented Du Bois and many others from being included in the circle of ‘great designers’ we consider today.
Contextual information cited from The Public Domain Review, W. E. B. Du Bois’ Hand-Drawn Infographics of African-American Life (1900)
