To the editor:
As co-chairs of the Great Barrington W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Committee, we stand with Dr. Du Bois. Our town-appointed committee is charged “to preserve and promote Great Barrington native W.E.B. Du Bois’s legacy as a scholar and activist for freedom, civil rights, progressive education, economic justice, and racial equality.” The sculpture of Dr. Du Bois that will soon grace the Mason Public Library entrance area perfectly reflects Great Barrington’s mission. Members of the nonprofit W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project have worked diligently with Great Barrington’s Selectboard, Legacy Committee, and Library Trustees, and kept the community updated through the media and public forums, especially Selectboard, Library Trustees, and Historic District Commission meetings.
As with other Du Bois projects over recent years, including road signs, school name, legacy committee, and designation of Dr. Du Bois’ birthday, February 23, as “W.E.B. Du Bois Day,” the community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive. On a personal note, we are eager to introduce our children and grandchildren to our sculpted Dr. Du Bois, who we know will greet them with open arms and, by his example, inspire them to make a difference.
Randy Weinstein and Gwendolyn VanSant
Great Barrington
The authors are co-chairs of the Great Barrington W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Committee.
