A bronze sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois now sits on a marble bench outside the library in Great Barrington.

Strategically and symbolically, organizers who brought the post Civil War scholar back to his home town left plenty of room for others to sit by him, hoping the public will consider how Du Bois dedicated his life to the cause of fighting racism and inequality.

Over several hours on Saturday, hundreds turned out for the statue’s unveiling, including its artist Richard Blake.

The program included musical performance, spoken word and dance, along with speeches from former Mass. Governor Deval Patrick, and state Representative Leigh Davis.

Many consider the tribute a long overdue recognition of Du Bois — from the town where he was born in 1868 just a few years after the end of the Civil War.

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