The first issue of The Crisis, a literary magazine first edited by W.E.B. Du Bois, was published. In its opening editorial, Du Bois writes:
“The object of this publication is to set forth those facts and arguments which show the danger of race prejudice, particularly as manifested today toward colored people. It takes its name from the fact that the editors believe that this is a critical time in the history of the advancement of men. …Finally, its editorial page will stand for the rights of men, irrespective of color or race, for the highest ideals of American democracy, and for reasonable but earnest and persistent attempts to gain these rights and realize these ideals.”
He will lead the publication directly until 1918, remaining heavily influential on its content until the mid-twenties.