SPRINGFIELD – Springfield College, Westfield State University, UMass Libraries, W.E.B. Dubois Center and Beta Sigma Boule are partnering to hold the 6th annual tribute for W.E.B. DuBois at St. John’s Congregational Church in Springfield on Sunday at 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “why are WE here?”
William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B.) DuBois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on February 23, 1868. DuBois was a pioneering civil rights leader and visionary for issues focused on equality and democracy. He was also a pioneer in the field of sociology and history, and of his many accomplishments, he was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University. A founding member of the NAACP, DuBois was also a playwright, poet, novelist, and cultural critic.
The event is again being held at St. John’s Congregational Church because of its significant role in the history of the abolitionist movement. Springfield became a hub for the Underground Railroad due to the activities of St. John’s. Further, abolitionist John Brown was a member of the church, and DuBois is known to have attended the church on occasion.
The W.E.B. DuBois event is free and open to the public. Chairman of the W.E.B. DuBois Tribute Brooks Finch notes that the tribute will capture the essence of his legacy, the Black Church, music and the arts. The event will include performances by the Springfield College Community Choir, the Springfield College Repertory Dance Company, the Westfield State University Chamber Chorale, the UMass Amherst Cape Verdean Student Alliance, and a stepping presentations by the Westfield State University Top Flight Step Team, and the UMass Amherst Insanely Prestigious Step Team.
In addition to the above program, the Bill Bromery Initiative will be introduced. This initiative seeks to share on a sustained basis, the regional, aspirational, inspirational and collaborative legacy of Bill Bromery.
