W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture to Be Unveiled July 19 in Hometown of Great Barrington, MA

Mark your calendars for a truly special occasion! On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM, a life-size bronze sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois will be unveiled in front of the Mason Public Library on Main Street in Great Barrington — the very hometown where his remarkable journey began. This free and welcoming public event will be the highlight of a weekend-long celebration honoring Du Bois’s profound and lasting legacy.

Crafted by renowned artist Richard Blake, the sculpture will be placed on a graceful marble bench in the heart of a newly redesigned library plaza, featuring refreshed steps and cozy seating that invite community gathering and quiet reflection. As co-chair Ari Zorn puts it, “We are bringing Dr. Du Bois home in a way that invites everyone to sit with him, reflect with him, and carry forward his legacy.”

The unveiling is the result of a grassroots effort launched in 2021 by the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project, a coalition of local organizations, supporters, and generous donors. Alongside the unveiling, the weekend will include special programming co-hosted by Chesterwood and the Du Bois Forum Roundtable at Jacob’s Pillow, offering rich opportunities to celebrate and explore Du Bois’s impact.

Everyone is invited to be part of this momentous event. And if you’d like to lend a hand, please reach out to Peter Cherneff at petercherneff@gmail.com to get involved. For up-to-date information and parking suggestions, check the Facebook 

 https://www.facebook.com/duboissculptureproject/