The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation recently hosted a commemorative event in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to mark the 157th anniversary of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois’ birth.
The event, held at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Accra, Ghana, featured reflections on his life and work, including a wreath-laying ceremony to honour his contributions to Pan-Africanism, racial equity, and social justice.
The ceremony began with the arrival of a delegation led by Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, representing President John Dramani Mahama. The event included an invocation and the Ghanaian National Anthem, setting the stage for discussions and tributes throughout the afternoon.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, highlighted Ghana’s role as a custodian of great Pan-African figures like W.E.B. Du Bois.
She emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Pan-Africanism, aligning the initiative with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto and her personal dedication.
Acknowledging financial support for cultural heritage projects, including the recent renovation of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Minister Gomashie affirmed the government’s commitment to preserving historical sites like the Du Bois Center.
Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, clarified that the government has not sold or leased the Du Bois Centre land. Instead, the foundation has secured funding to develop the facility for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
Plans include restoring Dr. Du Bois’ bungalow, building a new memorial to house his remains, and establishing a state-of-the-art museum to honour his life and work. The foundation is also partnering with the Library of Congress to preserve Du Bois’ collection of books and papers.
The event featured a distinguished panel discussing Du Bois’ impact on civil rights and global Pan-African movements. Attendees included dignitaries like European Union Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, underscoring the event’s significance.
Overall, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation’s mission is to honor Du Bois’ legacy, promote African and African-American history, and facilitate dialogue on racial equity and cultural heritage.
