Our Mission
The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.
Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.
Welcoming Our New Interim Executive Director:
Dr. John D. Lloyd
We are proud to announce the appointment of Dr. John D. Lloyd as the Interim Executive Director of the Du Bois Freedom Center.
With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Dr. Lloyd brings a strategic, community-centered vision to guide the Center through its next chapter. As principal of Agile Consulting Group, he has worked with mission-driven organizations nationwide to foster growth, sustainability, and inclusive impact.
At the Du Bois Freedom Center, Dr. Lloyd will oversee operations, strengthen partnerships, and advance programming that celebrates the life and legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois—a global advocate for democracy, education, and racial justice.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Lloyd into this pivotal role and invite our community to connect with his leadership in shaping the future of the Center.
Walking Through History: Exploring Du Bois & African American Heritage in Great Barrington
This summer, experience the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois and the deep-rooted African American heritage of Great Barrington through our immersive “Walking Through History” tour.
From June through September, guided in-person tours led by our Executive Director, Dr. John D. Lloyd, will be available on a limited basis. These curated walks offer a personal and insightful journey through the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that shaped Du Bois’s early life and enduring impact.
Whether you're a longtime scholar or a first-time visitor, each tour provides a powerful connection to our shared history—and a vision for the future.
“The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy presents a singular opportunity to reclaim and extend in Du Bois’ hometown, the Black intellectual, artistic traditions, and social movements to which he dedicated his life’s work.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning Du Bois Biographer
EVENTS
NEWS
TOURS