Signs of better angels in Great Barrington

To the editor:

Like most people, I appreciate small things, especially when they impact our lives in meaningful ways. Take, for example, special road signage in Great Barrington. Since 2005, our community has worked together to approve, finance, and place signs at various town entrances announcing “The Birthplace of W.E.B. Du Bois.”

I must say, there is something most satisfying about how our community has chosen to honor its world famous native son publicly. Thanks to the recent efforts of our department of public works, whose civic pride is transparent and uplifting, Du Bois signs now grace Route 7, north and south. They are an eyeful to behold. Like the Du Bois signs already on Route 57 and elsewhere, they let travelers know that we take our hometown heroes seriously.

For those who live here, they also embody the better angels of our community. They represent forward thinking, tangible proof that positive change, no matter the struggle, is possible. The Berkshire organizer Don Quinn Kelley said it just right: “The Du Bois signs beckon us to Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” And so we do, with thanks.