The Du Bois Forum 2023

W.E.B. Du Bois played a crucial role in shaping today's Black intellectual and artistic traditions. Throughout his life, he had a strong vision of uniting scholars, writers, and artists of color and establishing institutional support for their creative endeavors. The Du Bois Forum was born from this dream, serving as a space to nurture scholarly and creative projects, foster collaboration, and offer a meeting and resting place for those involved in this important work. The primary aim of the Forum is to empower Black thought, stimulate creative production, and drive social change.

In July 2023, bryant had the opportunity to attend the Forum’s second retreat in the Berkshires. During the weekend, the group gathered at Jacob’s Pillow to celebrate the achievements of Dr. David Levering Lewis, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian. For this occasion, bryant designed a simple, yet elegant multi-course menu inspired by extensive archival research. Drawing on Du Bois's fondness for strawberries during his childhood, his unwavering support for Ethiopia and its causes, various menus created in his honor, and his final resting place in Ghana, bryant approached the menu as a collage of ingredients, dishes, and flavor profiles, reflecting a culinary homage to Du Bois's life and legacy. Moreover, the culinary experience was grounded in the principles of sourcing local, seasonal, sustainable, and fresh ingredients from the Western Massachusetts region.

By adhering to these values, the menu not only celebrated the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois but also demonstrated a commitment to the environment and community. In essence, the Du Bois Forum and the special dinner at Jacob's Pillow allowed us to honor the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois, acknowledge the achievements of Dr. David Levering Lewis, and create an unforgettable experience that blended history, culture, and sustainability in one harmonious celebration.