Who publicly argued the blacks should accept their inferior social position yet secretly worked to advance their civil rights?

The individual you are referring to is Booker T. Washington. Publicly, he advocated for a gradual approach to racial equality, suggesting that African Americans should focus on vocational training and economic self-reliance rather than immediate social and political rights. However, Behind the Scenes, he worked tirelessly to promote civil rights, funding educational initiatives and engaging with influential allies to improve the conditions for African Americans. His dual approach often sparked debate within the African American community regarding the best path toward equality.