Click here to view the lecture.

 In celebration of Black History Month, the CDCSB hosted a lecture that examined the life and historic home of one of Great Barrington’s most under recognized residents, civil rights activist, educator and writer, James Weldon Johnson. The lecture took place live, online, on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 7pm with a Q & A to follow. Rufus Jones, founder and president of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation in Great Barrington and owner of James Weldon Johnson’s historic cabin, delivered the lecture and slide presentation. Jill Rosenberg Jones and Rufus Jones are co-founders of The James Weldon Johnson Foundation.

“In the winter of 2011,” Rufus Jones said, “my wife heard in a dream, five words…. James Weldon Johnson, Great Barrington.” This was the beginning of a journey leading Rufus and his wife to purchase and restore the century-old cabin once owned by African American Civil Rights leader, James Weldon Johnson and his wife, Grace.

Having recently joined the Board of Directors of the CDCSB, Jones said, “I recognize the deep connection between what the CDCSB is doing to provide safe and affordable homes in the south Berkshires with what Johnson and his wife were seeking and what we, as a family are seeking as African Americans in a predominantly white community.” Jones said, “It’s about the power of place, a place to raise our families in a safe and caring community.” Jones said, “This lecture explores why we’re here and ask of the attendees to speak to the power of this place and our place within the community.”