GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project and Embrace Boston have announced a partnership to recognize Black leaders, promote Black tourism, and support educational and business opportunities for African Americans in the region. 

 

Embrace Boston, a nonprofit dedicated to dismantling structural racism through arts, culture, community engagement, and research and policy, previously led the creation of "The Embrace" monument honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King on the Boston Common.

 

"Few visitors to the Berkshires know that Du Bois—a scholar and founder of the NAACP—was born, raised, and educated in Great Barrington," said Ari Zorn, co-chair of The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project. "Even fewer know we have a Black history trail recognizing African Americans who helped end slavery, fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. It's time more people learned about their contributions."

 

In support of the Du Bois project, Embrace Boston has received a $150,000 Destination Development grant from the Massachusetts Department of Travel and Tourism. These funds will accelerate the completion of the Du Bois monument, a life-size bronze figure that will be located in front of the historic Mason Library on Great Barrington's main street. The unveiling is planned for spring 2025. 

 

"We are delighted to partner with Embrace Boston, an organization that has made significant strides in advancing economic and social justice across the state," Zorn added. "Through this collaboration, we aim to further highlight the contributions of Black leaders who shaped our history and continue to inspire future generations."

 

As the country and Massachusetts prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this partnership will offer a unique perspective by honoring Black Americans. 

 

The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project was launched in May 2022 by a volunteer group of local citizens with the goal of recognizing Du Bois' scholarly achievements in the fight for racial equality.