Final answer:
Du Bois refuted claims that African Americans were naturally inferior by pointing out the social causes of high mortality rates and the necessity for improved public health initiatives and educational opportunities. He espoused the idea that a small, well-educated leadership class, termed the 'talented tenth', was crucial for the advancement of racial equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
W.E.B. Du Bois responded to claims that diseases, crime, and early death were the norm for African Americans, such as those stipulated by white supremacists like Frederick Hoffman, by asserting that these issues stemmed from societal, not racial, causes. Arguing against the idea that the talented tenth were exceptions, Du Bois emphasized the significance of social conditions like poverty in contributing to health issues like tuberculosis. He pointed out that with improved access to healthcare, sanitation, and economic opportunities, the mortality rates could be reduced. Du Bois' rebuttal was grounded in evidence from sociological research and demographic data from the United States Census Bureau. Ultimately, Du Bois championed for systemic changes including more Black healthcare professionals, hospitals, and local health care leagues to address public health concerns among African Americans.
Furthermore, Du Bois critiqued the limited educational opportunities for African Americans, contrasting his views with those of Booker T. Washington. Du Bois argued for a broad, rigorous education for black colleges that would develop leaders to advance racial equality, rejecting calls to limit education to vocational skills alone. He steered his academic programs at Atlanta University towards creating a community of well-educated African Americans who could foster social and political progress as outlined in his concept of the 'talented tenth'.