On Sunday, February 23, 2025, a colorful and poignant event was held at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre in Cantonment, Accra, to celebrate the 157th birthday of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, the renowned African-American civil rights activist, scholar, and Pan-Africanist. The memorial service honored the lasting impact of Dr. Du Bois’ work, particularly his contributions to African identity, the struggle for justice, and the fight against racial inequality. Dr. Du Bois and his wife are buried at the center, making it a fitting location for the tribute.
The event was attended by a host of notable figures, including Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff of Ghana; Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; Odell Murry, Custodian of the Du Bois Legacy; Dr. Prenston King, American Academic and African-American Civil Rights Activist; Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst; Professor Alhassan S. Anamzoya, Head of the Sociology Department at the University of Ghana; and Ryan Ramsey, Chief of Staff at the Library of Congress. Other distinguished guests included Jeffrey Alan Peck, the great-grandson of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, and many diplomats, scholars, and members of the Ghanaian public.
The theme of the ceremony, “Reflection on the Life and Works of Dr. Du Bois,” encapsulated the essence of the event, which featured a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the legacy of the legendary Pan-Africanist.
In his remarks, Odell Murry emphasized the importance of preserving Dr. Du Bois’ works. “Preserving the Du Bois Legacy is not just about honoring the past; it is about shaping the future. It is about ensuring that the ideas of justice, equality, and unity continue to inspire generations to come,” Murry stated. He also expressed his commitment to republishing several of Dr. Du Bois’ works, making them accessible to a wider audience through collaborations with international publishers.
Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst, highlighted the ongoing influence of Du Bois, particularly in the African diaspora. She discussed the annual “Politr-y Slum” event held in the U.S. to commemorate Dr. Du Bois’ activism, noting how it provides a platform for the youth to engage in conversations about activism, Black identity, and the beauty of African heritage. “Dr. Du Bois is as relevant now as he was in 1963 or 1901,” she remarked, stressing that his legacy continues to guide the fight for racial equality.
Professor Alhassan S. Anamzoya of the University of Ghana also gave a profound tribute to Dr. Du Bois, particularly in the field of sociology. He pointed out that, although Ghana has many scholars and students in sociology, Dr. Du Bois’ contributions to the discipline have not been sufficiently acknowledged. “Dr. Du Bois deserves to be recognized as one of the founding fathers of sociology,” Anamzoya noted. He also urged the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation and stakeholders of the Du Bois Legacy to make deliberate efforts to introduce his works into Ghanaian university curriculums, especially within sociology departments. “Flood the departments with Du Bois’ works, and we will encourage our students to engage with them,” he challenged.
As the ceremony concluded, the event highlighted the enduring relevance of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois’ intellectual and activist legacy, and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to promote his works, particularly in academic institutions across Africa.
Dr. Du Bois’ contributions to the advancement of African identity, the Pan-African movement, and his tireless advocacy for justice and equality have solidified him as one of the most influential figures in African and African-American history. His legacy continues to inspire global efforts to achieve justice, equality, and unity.
