Life and legacy of Dr. W.E.B Du Bois celebrated on the 60th anniversary of his passing

The W.E.B Du Bois Foundation USA/Ghana in partnership with the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have organised a two-day commemorative event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the passing of Dr. W.E.B Du Bois.

The two-day event, which started from Saturday, 26th of August to Sunday, 27th of August, comprised of a symposium on the life and works of Dr. Bu Bois and a day of remembrance.

The symposium, held on Saturday, featured panelists including Dr. David Levering Lewis, Jeffery Peck, Dr. Aldon Morris, Dr, Karchiek Sim Alvarado, Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Ms Lanisa Kitchiner, Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, and Prof. Akosua. K. Darkwah.

On Sunday, the “Day of Remembrance” followed with reflections on the life and works of Dr. Du Bois, wreath laying ceremony, and a tour of the Du Bois bungalow.

Sunday’s event was attended by special guests, including Jefferey Peck, the great grandson of Dr. Du Bois, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, amongst others.

There were remarks on life, works, and the impact of Dr. W.E.B Du Bois, his connection to Ghana and his contributions to Pan-Africanism, and a keynote address by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mark Okraku Mantey on behalf of the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Mark Okraku Mantey reiterated the importance of preserving the legacy of Dr Du Bois, and his contribution to society.

“Du Bois’ legacy transcends borders, inspiring us to continue his life-long fight against oppression, and inequality. As we reflect on his contributions, we are reminded of the power of ideas and the importance of unwavering dedication to a just cause,” he said.

He also assured the centre of government’s commitment to refurbishing the W.E.B Dubois centre as “a centre of excellence of global repute”

The event ended with the wreath laying service at the burial place of Dr. Du Bois.

About the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation

The W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation (USA-Ghana) is a non-profit organization established in 2019, with the mission of honouring the life, purpose and legacy of Dr. Du Bois, celebrated. father of Pan-Africanism, co-founder of NAACP, and one of the most essential black voices in world history, by developing his final resting place in Accra, Ghana.

The foundation aims to revitalise the current Du Bois Memorial Centre into a Museum complex, on par with those of other museums dedicated to preserving and celebration the life, times, and thoughts of great American thinkers and leaders like Frederick Douglass, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and a destination for scholars, artists and heritage tourists alike.