The hushing of the criticism of honest opponents is a dangerous thing. It leads some of the best of the critics to unfortunate silence and paralysis of effort, and others to burst into speech so passionately and intemperately as to lose listeners. Honest and earnest criticism from those whose interests are most nearly touched,—criticism of writers by readers, of government by those governed, of leaders by those led,—this is the soul of democracy and the safeguard of modern society.
― W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk
“W.E.B. Du Bois: An American Hero” will be performed at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington on Saturday, February 21, at 5 p.m.
The play was written by New York City-based actor and producer Chad Lawson Cooper and stars Jeffrey Du Bois Peck, great grandson of Du Bois, in the title role.
Born in Great Barrington on February 23, 1868, Du Bois was a historian, sociologist, and civil rights activist with global influence. He co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and served as the editor of the NAACP’s journal, The Crisis.
In the play Du Bois is in conversation with his first wife, Nina Gomer Du Bois, with scientist Albert Einstein, and with journalist and civil rights activist Ida Wells. The play goes into three different segments of Du Bois’ life, including the loss of his firstborn and the painful period following the death, how he became friends with Einstein, and his struggle for equal rights for all human beings.
The Schumacher Center is pleased to sponsor the performance together with Multicultural BRIDGE, BerkShares Local, the Du Bois Freedom Center, and the NAACP, Berkshire County Branch.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit to the event’s website.
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I sit with Shakespeare, and he winces not. Across the color line I move arm and arm with Balzac and Dumas, where smiling men and welcoming women glide in gilded halls. From out of the caves of evening that swing between the strong-limbed Earth and the tracery of stars, I summon Aristotle and Aurelius and what soul I will, and they come all graciously with no scorn nor condescension. So, wed with Truth, I dwell above the veil.
The power of the ballot we need in sheer self-defence, —else what shall save us from a second slavery? Freedom, too, the long-sought, we still seek, —the freedom of life and limb, the freedom to work and think, the freedom to love and aspire.
Quotes from The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
Warmest Wishes,
Staff of the Schumacher Center
