On February 23, 2025, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, hosted a commemorative event marking the 157th anniversary of the birth of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.
The ceremony, held at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Cantonments, Accra, Ghana, featured reflections on his life and work, along with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honour his enduring contributions to Pan-Africanism, racial equity, and social justice.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the delegation led by Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, who represented the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
The event opened with an invocation, followed by the Ghanaian National Anthem, setting the tone for an afternoon of insightful discussions and tributes.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasised Ghana’s privilege and responsibility as custodians of the remains of great Pan-African figures like W.E.B. Du Bois.
She highlighted the Du Bois Center as a key cultural and historical site under her ministry, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Pan-Africanism.
The minister acknowledged the alignment of this initiative with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto and her personal dedication to ensuring its success.
Expressing gratitude to all who have contributed intellectually, financially, and through advocacy, she noted the recent World Bank-funded renovation of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as an example of ongoing efforts to enhance Ghana’s cultural heritage.
She welcomed the financial commitments made toward the Du Bois Center’s restoration and pledged to review previous plans to advance the project.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of the Black Star Experience, a flagship programme championed by her ministry, and called for collective support, prayers, and goodwill in fulfilling these goals.
In a moment of cultural reverence, she invited the audience to stand and applaud in honour of W.E.B. Du Bois on his 157th birthday, underscoring the significance of his legacy in shaping Ghana’s creative and cultural landscape.
Japhet Aryiku, the Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, extended a warm welcome to all in attendance to all in attendance and clarified that the Government of Ghana had neither sold nor leased the Du Bois Centre land to the foundation.
He revealed that instead, the foundation has committed to raising millions of dollars to develop the facility for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
He emphasised that under the agreement, the foundation is dedicated to restoring and renovating Dr. Du Bois’ iconic bungalow, with full funding already secured.
Mr.Aryiku further announced plans to construct a new memorial to house Du Bois’ remains, alongside a space for reflection and meditation, featuring an eternal flame. Additionally, a state-of-the-art museum will be established to honor the life and work of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois.
Given Du Bois’ extensive global contributions over his 95-year life, Aryiku acknowledged the monumental nature of the project but reaffirmed the foundation’s determination to accomplish it.
He also highlighted the critical need to preserve Du Bois’ extensive collection of books and papers, which are deteriorating due to Ghana’s humid climate.
To address this, the foundation has partnered with the Library of Congress under a four-year agreement to provide technical support for restoration and conservation efforts.
Mr.Aryiku expressed excitement about the upcoming construction of a world-class research library that will house these invaluable works, making them accessible to scholars and the general public.
The U.S. Ambassador delivered remarks in honor of Du Bois’ contributions, leading to a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. Representatives from the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, the Du Bois family, the Government of the United States, and the Government of Ghana placed wreaths in his memory, accompanied by music that underscored the moment’s significance.
This was followed by remarks from Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, delivered by Dr. Deborah Rose.A distinguished panel shared reflections on the remarkable life and work of Dr. Du Bois.
Among the speakers were Odell Murry, Custodian of the Du Bois Legacy, Dr. Preston King, an American academic and civil rights activist, Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst, Prof. Alhassan S. Anamzoya, Head of Sociology at the University of Ghana, Ramsey Ryan, Chief of Staff at the Library of Congress, and Jeffrey Peck, great-grandson of Dr. Du Bois. Each speaker shared powerful insights into Du Bois’ impact on civil rights, scholarship, and global Pan-African movements.
The event was also graced by the presence of several dignitaries and very important figures, including Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, European Union Ambassador to Ghana whose support and participation further emphasized the significance of this gathering.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation remains committed to preserving Du Bois’ legacy and fostering education on Pan-Africanism and social justice. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of his lasting influence and the ongoing efforts to honor his contributions to global history.
The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation is to honor the life of W.E.B. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois by transforming the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture into a world-class museum complex, promoting a deeper understanding of African and African American history, and fostering global dialogue on racial equity, justice, and cultural heritage.
At the heart of its vision, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation seeks to promote the study and appreciation of African and African-American heritage, history, and culture.
Through exhibitions, research, and educational initiatives, the foundation strives to inspire new generations to embrace and continue Du Bois’ vision of justice, equality, and intellectual empowerment. With a steadfast commitment to preserving historical narratives, the foundation works to ensure that Du Bois’ teachings and philosophy remain relevant in today’s society.
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