The Du Bois Centre in Accra hosted a special commemorative event on Wednesday, August 27, 2024, to mark the 61st anniversary of the passing of American sociologist, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois. Dr. Du Bois, a renowned sociologist, historian, and Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and later moved to Ghana where he became a citizen in 1961. He passed away on August 27, 1963, in Ghana.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries and celebrities, including President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Egyapa Mercer, rapper E.L, actress Akofa Ejeani Aseidu, and CEO of National Film Authority Juliet Asante. The event was expertly moderated by Kafui Dey.
Activities at the event included a wreath-laying ceremony and the groundbreaking for the construction of a museum in honor of Dr. Du Bois. President Akufo-Addo, who was the guest of honor, performed the sod-cutting ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana.
The commemorative event served as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois and highlighted his significant contributions to the fields of sociology, civil rights, and Pan-Africanism.
