The commemorative event for the 61st Anniversary of the passing of American sociologist Dr. W.E.B Du Bois was held on Wednesday, August 27, 2024, at the Du Bois Centre in Accra.
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was an American sociologist, socialist, historian, and Pan-Africanist civil rights activist. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a relatively tolerant and integrated community.
Born on February 23, 1868, the 93-year-old Du Bois moved to Ghana, acquiring citizenship in 1961. Du Bois died in Ghana on Aug. 27, 1963, before the historic March on Washington.
To honour his legacy, the commemorative event was organized to mark the 61st anniversary of his passing.
Dignitaries and celebrities including the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E.Palmer, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Egyapa Mercer, rap icon E.L, Akofa Ejeani Aseidu and the CEO of National Film Authority Juliet Asante graced the event which Kafui Dey eloquently moderated.
Some of the activities that were held to mark the day were wreath-laying and sod-cutting for the commencement of the construction of a museum in his honour.
The sod cutting was done by Akufo-Addo who was the guest of honour. The President laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana.
Watch the video below