Accra, Ghana - August 28, 2024 - 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.
Contact:
W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation
Contact: +233 55 974 4420
[Instagram: @webduboismuseum]
[Facebook: W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation]
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