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.
Photos: A.M.E. Zion Society Outing, c.1880s, courtesy of Great Barrington Historical Society Collection; historic Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church; rendering of the Du Bois Freedom Center
You’re Invited
September 19th - 6:00pm
Join us for our final conversation in our Reflections on Democracy series as we explore the topic of Democracy, Education & The Arts. On Thursday, September 19th, The Du Bois Freedom Center will welcome Tony and Grammy award-winning artist and author, Leslie Odom, Jr., who will be in conversation with our Visiting Scholar on Democracy, The Honorable Reverend Michael Blake. This program is free, open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Advance registration required by September 7th. Click here to RSVP.
Saturdays in the Sanctuary
From June through September guided in-person tours led by our Executive Director will be available on a limited basis. Please complete this form to request a tour.
Reflections on Democracy
Please share your reflections on this passage, our democracy, and your hopes for 2024 by clicking here.
“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
