Assessed valuation of all taxable property owned

This diagram was designed by W.E.B. Du Bois, a civil rights activist. His role in design and history played a significant role for many Black Americans. Du Bois argued against racial ideas portraying Black Americans as inferior. According to the Hutchins Center, W.E.B. Du Bois chaired for the African Aid committee. He wanted equal rights for African Americans.

Focusing on the historical document, Du Bois created this chart with students from the Atlanta University, for the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. It demonstrates taxable properties owned by African American in Georgia between 1875-1890. W.E.B. Du Bois used circles to form the diagram design, creating movement for the information. The diagram shows strong organizational layout. The chart was hand drawn from ink and watercolor. Printing materials are an important aspect to communicate ideas, especially towards larger audiences. W.E.B. Du Bois demonstrates how modern prints can shift design practices by transforming statistical information into a visual format.

This work is important because it challenged racial stereotypes. Many white citizens believed African Americans were less intelligent. The American Negro Exhibition contained W.E.B. Du Bois work, showing Black Americans have a strong understanding of education. Du Bois work is influential because he used design to communicate social issues. In current day, many communities use design to discuss social and political issues. 

https://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/web-dubois