W.E.B. Du Bois ID3A Jam
Wednesday, March 15th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Saint James Place
352 Main Street Great Barrington, MA 01230
The W.E.B. Dubois Sculpture Search Committee and Team R3SET are gathering community members to explore new and innovative ways to expand the experience of W.E.B. Du Bois beyond the statue itself, and we need your help!
About The ID3A Jam
Our goal is to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders who are invested in the statue project, including local Black organizations, leaders, artists, educators, and residents. We believe that by engaging a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, we can ensure that the project reflects the needs and interests of the community.
We’re excited to facilitate a design thinking session where we’ll be asking open-ended questions and encouraging collaboration and iteration. Design thinking is a fun and interactive problem-solving approach that can help us generate creative and feasible ideas for expanding the experience of W.E.B. Du Bois beyond the statue.
We acknowledge the Following
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge and respect the historical and ongoing struggles of the Black community, as well as their diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions. It is also important to ensure that the sculpture project is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and representative of the Berkshire Black community’s values and aspirations.
Join us in celebrating Great Barrington’s own W.E.B. Du Bois in an exciting community conversation and design thinking session!
We want to explore new and innovative ways to expand the experience of W.E.B. Du Bois beyond the sculpture itself, and we need your help!
Scope of the ID3A Jam
Our goal is to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders who are invested in the sculpture project, including local Black organizations, leaders, artists, educators, and residents.
We believe that by engaging a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, we can ensure that the project reflects the needs and interests of the community.
We’re excited to facilitate a design thinking session where we’ll be asking open-ended questions and encouraging collaboration and iteration. Design thinking is a fun and interactive problem-solving approach that can help us generate creative and feasible ideas for expanding the experience of W.E.B. Du Bois beyond the sculpture.
Promoting African-American tourism: The sculpture project can be a way to highlight the contributions and legacies of African-American individuals in the Berkshires and to attract visitors who are interested in learning more about Black history and culture. The sculpture can be a focal point for guided tours, historical markers, or interactive exhibits that showcase local Black landmarks, events, and stories.
Encouraging education: The sculpture project can be an educational tool to teach local students, residents, and visitors about the Black community’s struggles, achievements, and diversity. The sculpture project can be accompanied by educational resources, such as books, documentaries, or lesson plans, exploring relevant themes and topics. The library can also organize book clubs, lectures, or workshops highlighting Black authors, scholars, and artists.
Reaching out to the Black community: The sculpture project can be a way to connect with the Black community in the Berkshires and to address their needs and interests. The project organizers can seek input and feedback from local Black residents and organizations to ensure that the project reflects their priorities and perspectives. The library can also offer programs and services that cater to the Black community’s interests, such as book recommendations, literacy support, or cultural events.
Collaborating with the W.E.B. Du Bois initiative: The sculpture project can be a unifying force that brings together different groups and stakeholders who share a common goal of advancing Black empowerment and equity in the Berkshires. The W.E.B. Du Bois initiative can be a valuable partner in promoting and co-organizing the sculpture project, as well as in mobilizing resources and networks to advance other related initiatives. The sculpture project can also be a way to honor the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois and inspire future generations to carry on his legacy.
The Goals
Listen and gather feedback, ideas, and concerns from the Black community about the sculpture project and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
Partnering with local Black organizations, leaders, artists, and activists to co-design and co-promote the project and to ensure that the project aligns with the needs and interests of the Black community.
Design inclusive communication plans and identify messaging and channels, such as social media, flyers, posters, and email newsletters, to disseminate information about the project, its goals, its timeline, and its opportunities for participation.
Brainstorm on ways for the Berkshire Black community to participate in the statue project, such as submitting artwork, poetry, or stories that reflect their experiences and vision, volunteering as project assistants or advisors, or attending community events related to the project.
Discuss how we can engage more community stakeholders in this experience by networking, connecting, and celebrating with Black businesses, organizations, large companies, policymakers, thought leaders, and more.
Who is this for?
Black Business Member Organizations who serve the interest of BIPOC businesses and the community, and who want to share new ideas and innovative perspectives.
BIPOC Researchers and Thought Leaders who want to provide new ideas, innovative perspectives, and insights to this ID3A Jam session.
Leaders of Economic Development Organizations who serve small businesses and want to gain insight on how they can suppor this project via their local business.
Leaders of Policy and State Officials who want to support diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide pathways to supporting the success of this project.
Historical and Heritage Organizations who are working to continually support the history and heritage of the Berkshires specifically the rich African American cultural and historical heritage.
Cultural and Tourism Organizations: The Berkshires enjoys a Black Cultural Heritage and W.E.B. Du Bois is a part of that heritage. Black cultural tourism represents an estimated $60 billion in revenue per year.
What’s in it for you? Event Benefits
Receive a $50 stipend for your time and energy.
Share ideas that will positively impact your community.
Network with other community members who share your values.
Receive a follow up report with recommendations for all community stakeholders that will energize new programs, services, investments, and resources.
Be a part of history by making this vision a reality.
Apply Now
How will we use the results?
After the conversation and design thinking session, it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the project and to iterate based on the feedback and data collected. This can help to ensure that the project continues to meet the needs and interests of the community and to maximize its long-term benefits.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture project committee believes by actively involving and valuing the Black community’s perspectives and contributions to the sculpture project, we hope to enhance the project’s quality and impact but also foster a more equitable and inclusive community.
Meet the Facilitators
John Lewis
John Lewis focuses on “innovation in inclusive and community-based economics.” John has helped organizations like 1Berkshire, Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Bank, and the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation apply some of these new tools and strategies for the benefit of Berkshire County.
Sharron Frazier McClain
Sharron Mcclain works on DEI & Community Engagement for Barrington Stage Company. She serves on the Executive Board for the Christian Center, is an Evangelist at Price Memorial AME Zion Church, and assists Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation with Grant review to ensure equity in the decision-making process. She also collaborates with several service organizations to help use the Arts as a tool for community building.
Julie Haagenson
Julie has spent her career working as an educator, counselor, consultant, and coach. She is owner of New Pathways Coaching & Consulting focusing on empowering adolescents, young adults, parents and educators. She also works in community engagement with the Center for Peace Through Culture working to cultivate community through the arts.. She serves on the boards of Flying Deer Nature Center and Blackshires and the steering committee for the 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program. Her work for the last two decades has focused on creating meaningful partnerships and opportunities for people of all identities and backgrounds.
Andre Lynch
André Lynch is a DEI practitioner and executive coach, with more than a decade of experience. He holds a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in higher education, from St. Lawrence University. He has served in numerous capacities within higher ed, including Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion at Wells College, as well as DEI functions at Syracuse University, University of Nebraska, Ithaca College, and SUNY. He currently serves as Director for DEI for BART Charter Public School. Mr. Lynch owns and operates A. Lynch Consulting, a DEI consulting agency, and has provided keys for institutional change to colleges, universities, and not-for-profit agencies including United Way Worldwide. Mr. Lynch is a father of 7, husband, and activist, who enjoys fishing, gardening, and collecting sneakers.
Sponsors & Partners
About Us
W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project
This memorial will celebrate the scholar’s achievements in the fight for racial equality and will represent how Great Barrington — with its long abolitionist history and powerful commitment to public education — helped shape the person Du Bois became.
Our group of local citizens has taken on the project, forming the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project and developing specific plans to create, place, and maintain this lasting memorial.
Learn more at WEBDuBoisSculpture.org
R3SET Agency
The R3SET Agency is a local cooperative consulting company building tools and systems for community empowerment. R3SET Agency works with mission-driven organizations to apply strategies and tactics utilized by Silicon Valley start-ups for community and economic development.
R3SET Agency serves communities through the ID3A Jam Process, the EL3VATE Platform, and customized consulting and coaching.
Learn more at R3SETAgency.com
Apply Now!
It only takes 2 minutes.