Forum celebrates Du Bois’ birthday

GREAT BARRINGTON — The public came out to celebrate the 140th birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois at Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church today, with a special forum on free blacks in Berkshire County.Festivities began at 2:30 p.m. at Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, 9 Elm Court, Great Barrington. Local and regional panelists discussed a variety of topics , including the challenges free blacks faced. UMass Anthroplogy professor Bob Paynter presented at the forum. The dean of UMass Amherst’s W.E.B. Du Bois Library made an important announcement about upcoming improvements to the Du Bois Boyhood Home Site that were recently approved by Chancellor Thomas Cole.

EXCELLENT musical offerings were performed by The Gospel Choir of Price Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Pittsfield. Refreshments were served in the Masonic Temple.

CCEBMS students and administrator Willie Pope, with UMass doctoral students including Du Bois student Jonathan Fenderson, and Anthropology professor Bob Paynter at historic marker of Du Bois Home Site in Great Barrington.