The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Basis hosted a solemn but inspiring commemoration to mark the 62nd anniversary of the passing of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.
Beneath the theme “Du Bois Lives On: The Journey Forward,” the occasion introduced collectively dignitaries, students, diplomats, and members of the Du Bois household to honor the life and enduring legacy of one of many world’s best intellectuals and Pan-Africanists.
The keynote deal with, delivered by the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Tradition, and Artistic Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, on behalf of his Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, hailed Du Bois as “a towering mental, a freedom fighter, and a cultural icon.”
He additional underscored the federal government’s resolve to advance the redevelopment of the Centre as a long-lasting tribute to Du Bois’s legacy.
He famous:“The theme of this anniversary, ‘Du Bois Lives On: The Journey Forward,’ reminds us that Du Bois’ enduring imaginative and prescient of unity, equality, and human dignity stays as pressing and related as we speak because it was in his time.”
Dr. Kofi Boateng, Grasp of Ceremonies and CFO of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Basis in his reflective remarks, shared the symbolism of the day’s black and white apparel, a cultural signifier of mourning and respect, and highlighted the Basis’s collaboration with the Library of Congress to protect Du Bois’s private library of over 1,500 books.
He then learn from Du Bois’s final letter to Ghana, a transferring farewell penned in 1957 and opened solely upon his dying in 1963:“I’ve liked my work, I’ve liked folks, and my play. However all the time I’ve been uplifted by the thought that what I’ve accomplished properly will reside lengthy and justify my life… One factor alone I cost you as you reside, consider in life. At all times human beings will reside and progress to larger, broader, and fuller life.”
Mr. Japhet Aryiku, Government Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Basis welcomed attendees and emphasised the Basis’s mission of reworking the Centre right into a world-class museum and Pan-African hub.
He additionally learn a message on behalf of Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the Basis’s Board, who praised Du Bois as “essentially the most distinguished and influential African American in historical past” and underscored the Basis’s dedication to restoring the Centre by means of a joint settlement with the Authorities of Ghana .
Scholarly Reflections
Moderated by Japhet Aryiku, the panel featured eminent students who mirrored on Du Bois’s life, scholarship, and world influence.
Dr. Shawki Kujo-Haffar emphasised Du Bois’s enduring Pan-African legacy, warning towards the “absence of dedicated leaders” as we speak however highlighting alternatives akin to the brand new Du Bois Museum as “a monumental begin within the preservation of Pan-Africanism.”
Dr. David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Du Bois, traced his mental contributions, from The Philadelphia Negro (1899) to Black Reconstruction in America (1935).
He reminded attendees that Du Bois’s work had lengthy been undervalued in U.S. academia however now stands as foundational scholarship in historical past and sociology .
Dr. Jonathan Holloway, President of Rutgers College, drew from Du Bois’s writings and the symbolism of the Sankofa hen at his tomb.
He linked the diasporic “return dwelling” expertise to Du Bois’s personal Pan-African journey, stressing the enduring pressure between historical past, reminiscence, and belonging .
Dr. Phil Sinitiere mirrored on Du Bois’s mental and familial networks, together with Shirley Graham Du Bois and adopted son David Graham Du Bois. He shared archival condolences from 1963–64, together with one declaring: “Thanks for loving Dr. Du Bois. Thanks for cherishing and caring for him.”
Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and writer of The 1619 Venture, spoke passionately about Du Bois’s influence on her personal work:“No single thinker, author, or scholar has had extra of an influence by myself considering as a author, as a researcher, as a Black individual, and as a Pan-Africanist as Du Bois has.”
Drawing parallels between Du Bois’s Black Reconstruction and her personal undertaking, she argued that each confronted backlash as a result of they “centered Black folks within the American story.”
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Following the panel, dignitaries gathered on the tomb of Dr. Du Bois for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.
Tributes have been supplied within the following order: The Authorities of Ghana — represented by Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Tradition and Artistic Arts, the Du Bois Household — represented by Mr. Jeffrey Peck, great-grandson of Du Bois, and Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Basis — led by Japhet Aryiku, Government Director.
Exhibition Opening
The afternoon continued with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition “The Du Boises in Ghana.” The ribbon was reduce by Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms and MP for Tempane, accompanied by former First Woman Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Japhet Aryiku, Government Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Basis.
Company have been then led on a guided tour of the exhibition, which provides uncommon insights into the lives of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois throughout their years in Ghana.
Commemorative Dinner
The day concluded with a dinner that includes music, and a welcome toast.
It was a second of fellowship and reflection, celebrating not solely Du Bois’s mental legacy but in addition his imaginative and prescient for Pan-African solidarity and unity.
Greater than a memorial—the occasion was a reaffirmation of Du Bois’s dwelling legacy. By way of speeches, wreath-laying, scholarship, and cultural alternate, the occasion underscored the urgency of his name for Pan-African unity and justice.
