Simon's Rock Hosts Du Bois Event

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Bard College at Simon's Rock will hold its 28th annual W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Event, "Farewell to the Rock, but Not to the Dream: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Future of Early College Education," led by Simon's Rock Professor Felix Kaputu on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
 
The event, historically a lecture, is open to the Great Barrington community and will celebrate Du Bois' educational legacy as the college transitions to a new location.
 
Bard College at Simon's Rock recognizes Du Bois' belief in the power of education. The college reaffirms its commitment to fostering young minds who will pursue justice, learning, and the connection between history and progress.
 
Felix U. Kaputu is a scholar whose academic career began in 1988. His research addresses global issues such as imagery, gender and cultural studies, cultural management, identity construction, community development, and writing. His current research combines education, community development, and Black/Africana Studies, focusing on African diasporas, memory, and continuity, using anthropological, psychological, and literary perspectives within a human rights framework.
 
Kaputu's awards and fellowships include a Fulbright Scholarship at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Other awards supported his studies and research in Japan, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland. The Open Society, the Flemish Academic Fund, and the Dutch Academy Awards supported his fieldwork in Africa. He incorporates modern technologies in his teaching.
 
The event will take place in the McConnell Theater and is free and open to the public.
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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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