W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause

W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause (2026)



6.0 2026 112 min —

Director: Rita Coburn Whack

Cast: W.E.B. Du Bois, Courtney B. Vance, Jeffrey Wright, Common, Viola Davis

Documentary History
Delve into the remarkable journey and enduring influence of W.E.B. Du Bois, a towering Black intellectual and civil rights trailblazer. Born only five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, he lived until the day before the historic 1963 March on Washington. His powerful legacy as a champion for justice still echoes powerfully in the modern world.

More About This Film

W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause is a feature-length documentary tracing the life and intellectual legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the most influential American scholars, writers and activists of the twentieth century. The film follows his journey from his early education through his academic work, political activism and international influence.

Rita Coburn combines archival footage, historical scholarship, interviews and dramatic readings to present Du Bois as both a major thinker and a person shaped by the social conditions of his era. Viola Davis provides the narration, while Common, Courtney B. Vance and Jeffrey Wright contribute dramatic readings.

  • Written, directed and produced by Rita Coburn.
  • Produced as a collaboration involving American Masters, RCW Media Productions and Black Public Media.
  • Viola Davis narrates the documentary.
  • The film includes commentary from scholars including Henry Louis Gates Jr., Imani Perry and David Levering Lewis.
  • It premiered on PBS in May 2026 as part of the American Masters series.

Where to Watch

W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause has a confirmed PBS release, with availability depending on station, app and region.