living with inner elegance

In today's world, appearance often takes precedence over substance. However, true elegance encompasses more than just external beauty. It is about graceful behavior and authentic solutions that align mind, body, and spirit. My mission is to create a sanctuary where we can support each other in making the world a more elegant place in every sense of the word.

The Du Bois Freedom Center logo.

The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.

Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.

Reflections on Democracy & PHILANTHROPY Series

Event invitation for 'Reflections on Democracy' by the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy, featuring U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams on June 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Saint James Place, Great Barrington, MA.

June 19th 2024

SPECIAL GUEST

The United States Congresswoman

Nikema Williams

The Du Bois Freedom Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, held its first conversation in their Reflections on Democracy series on June 19th at 6:00 p.m. In recognition of Juneteenth, the former Harvard Visiting Scholar and President Barack Obama, Staffer Michael Blake and United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams engaged with the audience, discussing how we can all "Walk in the interconnected footsteps of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois and Congressman John Lewis" and the importance of civic leadership at this time in our democracy.

U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Michael Blake

former Harvard Visiting Scholar and President Barack Obama, Staffer Michael Blake and
United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams

U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Michael Blake

former Harvard Visiting Scholar and President Barack Obama, Staffer Michael Blake and
United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams

U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Michael Blake

former Harvard Visiting Scholar and President Barack Obama, Staffer Michael Blake and
United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Caroline Phipps and friend smiling at an event indoors, with one wearing a red and black patterned coat and the other in a light gray top. They are on a wooden stage, with people in the background and white flowers on the side.

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance & Ny Whitaker, The Du Bois Freedom Center Executive Director

Caroline Phipps and friends

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance & Ny Whitaker, The Du Bois Freedom Center Executive Director and guest

Caroline Phipps and friends

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance & Ny Whitaker, The Du Bois Freedom Center Executive Director and guest

Caroline Phipps and friends and U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance & United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams

U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance & United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Caroline Phipps standing next to the sign for W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite at 612 S. Egremont Road, UMass Amherst.

Caroline Phipps, Founder of Living With Inner Elegance at the W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite

Signboard featuring information about W.E.B. Du Bois, set in a wooded area. The board includes a portrait photo of Du Bois, a quote about democracy, and text detailing his contributions to the modern civil rights movement. Additional images and a small map are also present.

W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite history plaque

Man in a suit sitting at a desk with papers and documents, looking to the side in a thoughtful pose.

W.E.B. Du Bois the architect of the modern civill rights movement