The original 1969 homesite dedication was deemed so controversial, in part because of Du Bois' embrace of communism late in his life, that no town officials attended the event.
Now another movement to rename a different school building in Berkshire Hills is taking shape. Supporters of Du Bois are ramping up an effort to rename Monument Valley Regional Middle School in memory of Du Bois.
It was an afternoon of speakers and performers, ranging from scholars and academics to relatives, activists and musicians. And it was topped off by a birthday cake reception, complete with a rendition of Happy Birthday that somehow inspired even the tone-deaf to sing in key.
The program will also honor Du Bois biographer David Levering Lewis, who will receive the town’s first W. E. B. Du Bois Legacy Award honoring recipients for “embodying and preserving W. E. B. Du Bois’ legacy as a scholar and activist for freedom.”
'Du Bois has had a lasting influence on the 21st century and it’s fantastic that we can still celebrate his work today.' --Rep William 'Smitty' Pignatelli, D-Lenox
The Four Freedoms Coalition and Berkshire Community College will present a day of free, nonpartisan advocacy trainings on Saturday, April 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BCC.
The Educational Series honors Du Bois, recognized as the “premier architect of the civil rights movement in America,” who was born and raised in Great Barrington and graduated from Great Barrington High School in 1884.
For unknown reasons, Yolande’s grave was left without a headstone. Her grandchildren were unaware of where she was buried, until her grandson Arthur McFarlane II was informed of it during a visit in 2012.
