Our Mission

The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.

Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.

AME Zion Society outing circa 1884-6 photo courtesy of Gary Leveille Collection, Great Barrington Historical Society copy.jpg

2021 Clinton A.M.E. Ziom Church under restoration photo courtesy of Clinton Church Restoration copy.jpg

H+G rendering of Center 2021 cropped copy.jpg

Photos: A.M.E. Zion Society Outing, c.1880s, courtesy of Great Barrington Historical Society Collection; historic Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church; rendering of the Du Bois Freedom Center

Reflections on Democracy

Please share your reflections on this passage, our democracy, and your hopes for 2024 by clicking here.

“The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy presents a singular opportunity to reclaim and extend in Du Bois’ hometown, the Black intellectual, artistic traditions, and social movements to which he dedicated his life’s work.”

—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning Du Bois Biographer