61st Anniversary of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois’s passing commemorated in Ghana

The 61st Anniversary of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois's passing was commemorated yesterday at the W. E. B. Du Bois Centre for Pan African Culture in Accra. The event was a significant gathering of dignitaries, scholars, and members of the local community, all coming together to honor the enduring legacy of one of the most influential intellectuals and civil rights leaders of the 20th century.

Strategic vision and opening remarks

The event began with a series of opening remarks, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings. Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, outlined a bold vision for the Centre’s future. He announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art conference center, an outdoor theater, and a café featuring the exclusive "Du Bois Coffee."

These additions aim to create a vibrant space for education, reflection, and community engagement. Aryiku also emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to an educational and cultural agenda focused on global peace-building and addressing the enduring "color line," a concept central to Du Bois’s work.

Dr. Kofi Boateng delivered remarks on behalf of Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, and Dr. Deborah Rose, another key figure in the Foundation, also contributed to the session. The event featured messages of solidarity from Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Dr. Aldon Morris, a leading sociologist.

Notable guests and speakers

Several distinguished guests also graced the occasion, including Dr. Karida Brown, Professor of Sociology at Emory University, and Howard French, Professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, reinforced the strong ties between Ghana and the United States in her address.

Keynote Address by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. Introduced by Andrew Agyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the President spoke passionately about the significance of renovating the Du Bois bungalow.

"The decision to renovate the Du Bois bungalow is more than a mere construction project. It is a commitment to preserving the legacy of a man who surrendered his life in the pursuit of justice, equality, freedom, and unification of the African people," President Akufo-Addo remarked.

"The structure stands as a connection between Ghana and one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th Century, Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois. His contributions to the fight for civil rights, his scholarly works, and his loyalty to Pan Africanism resonate deeply with our national consciousness. As we break ground today, we’re not just renovating a building, we are reaffirming the values and ideals that Dr. Du Bois championed."

Completion and restoration of the iconic Du Bois Bungalow

Aryiku further revealed that the necessary funds to restore the Du Bois bungalow to its original condition during Dr. Du Bois's residency have already been secured. The Foundation is currently on a mission to locate the original bed, mattress, pillows, and sheets that Dr. Du Bois used. Discovering any remnants of these items would be a major breakthrough, and the Foundation is offering a reward for any information leading to their recovery.

Future initiatives

In addition to the bungalow restoration, Aryiku outlined several key initiatives:

1. Memorial Pavilion: A pavilion will be constructed to house the remains of Dr. Du Bois and his wife, Shirley Graham Du Bois, side by side. This space will be dedicated to reflection and meditation.

2. Museum Creation: A museum will be established to showcase the works and lives of both Dr. Du Bois and his wife, Shirley Graham Du Bois.

3. Preservation of Decaying Works: The numerous books and papers that Dr. Du Bois brought to Ghana, which are now deteriorating, will be preserved and restored with the technical assistance of the U.S. Library of Congress.

Wreath laying ceremony

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony followed the President’s address, honoring Dr. Du Bois's memory. The first wreath was laid by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, followed by the U.S. Ambassador, Virginia E. Palmer, on behalf of the Government and people of the United States. Next, Jeffrey Peck, the great-grandson of Dr. Du Bois, laid a wreath on behalf of the Du Bois family. Finally, Dr. Deborah Rose, Japhet Aryiku, and Dr. Humphrey Darke, among others, laid wreaths on behalf of the W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation.

Groundbreaking ceremony and tour

The event culminated in a groundbreaking ceremony led by President Akufo-Addo, officially marking the start of the Du Bois Museum project. This ambitious initiative aims to restore and enhance the historic site, transforming it into a world-class cultural institution. The day concluded with a tour of the W. E. B. Du Bois bungalow and premises, providing a glimpse into the future of this significant cultural landmark.

The 61st Anniversary of Dr. Du Bois’s passing served as a powerful reminder of his profound impact on the world and the ongoing efforts to preserve and advance his legacy for future generations.