The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, has marked the 40th anniversary of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture with a grand celebration in Accra.
The event brought together diplomats, scholars, cultural leaders, and members of the Pan-African community from across the globe to honour the lasting legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.
This year’s celebration held special meaning as it coincided with the birthday of H.E. Jerry John Rawlings, the late former President of Ghana, under whose leadership the Centre was commissioned in 1985. His foundational role in its establishment was recognised with deep respect throughout the day.
The programme opened with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Kofi Boateng, Chief Financial Officer of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, on behalf of Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board. Dr. Boateng reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to preserving and expanding Dr. Du Bois’s legacy.
A highlight of the day was a keynote address by Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of President Rawlings, who commissioned the Centre on his 38th birthday, 22 June 1985. She delivered a moving tribute to both Dr. Du Bois and her father’s Pan-African vision, noting Ghana’s central role in inspiring global Black freedom movements. She referenced historic figures such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammad Ali, who all drew inspiration from post-independence Ghana.
Another key moment was the official public introduction of Jeffrey Alan Peck, great-grandson of Dr. Du Bois and a Board Member of the Foundation. Peck spoke warmly about his family’s connection to Ghana and thanked the Rawlings and Nkrumah families, as well as the Ghanaian people, for preserving his great-grandfather’s memory.
Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr. Japhet Aryiku, highlighted the significant investments already made in restoring the Centre, funded by the Foundation’s Board.
He announced an upcoming global fundraising campaign to support the next phase of development and made an appeal for the return of original items once owned by Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois.
“We are actively searching for original furniture, personal items, and archival materials once owned by Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their time in Ghana. If you know the whereabouts of any such items, we invite you to join us in restoring the Du Boises’ home with authenticity and dignity,” he said.
The event also welcomed several former directors and scholars including Prof. Anne V. Adams, Senator Conmany B. Wesseh of Liberia, Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, and Dr. William N.T. Evans-Anfom. They shared insights into the Centre’s origins and its evolving role in Pan-African thought and cultural preservation. Maame Efua Honadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, also spoke on behalf of the Minister of Tourism.
A tribute was paid to President Rawlings for his key role in founding the Centre, followed by a special birthday celebration and cake-cutting ceremony in his honour.
Guests previewed a new exhibition of rare items from the lives of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their years in Ghana. The display included personal letters, never-before-seen photographs, and political artefacts offering a close look into their final chapter on the continent.
The event was attended by notable figures including Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Former First Lady of Ghana; Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Ghana; Kyrre Holm, Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy; Jonathan Wiesner, Deputy Executive Director of the Helping Africa Foundation; and Fritz Baffour, former Minister of Information and Foundation Board Member. Their presence underscored the far-reaching influence of Dr. Du Bois’s legacy.
About the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation
The Foundation is entrusted by the Government of Ghana to manage the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre. Its vision is to preserve and promote the legacy of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois, while building bridges between Africa and the global Black diaspora.
Through restoration, scholarship, and cultural exchange, the Foundation aims to transform the Centre into a world-class museum and research hub dedicated to Pan-African ideals.
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