In an emotional tribute at the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum, Jeffrey Alan Peck, the great-grandson of the late Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, emphasized the profound influence of his ancestor’s legacy on social justice and racial equality. Peck, who has dedicated his life to continuing Du Bois’ work through his involvement with non-profit organizations focused on racial justice and empowerment, spoke passionately about the lessons he inherited from his great-grandfather.
Reflecting on a transformative encounter in 2024 with an American in Atlanta, Peck recounted a conversation in which he was asked whether he knew of Dr. Du Bois’ commitment to providing access to formal education for single mothers and their children. The subject was new to him, but it inspired a deeper understanding of Du Bois’ far-reaching impact on education and empowerment. “It was a humbling moment,” Peck shared, acknowledging the complexities and contributions of Du Bois’ vision that continue to shape social movements today.
Peck took the opportunity to commend the management of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum for their dedication to preserving and promoting the life and works of Dr. Du Bois. He pledged to continue bringing individuals to the museum to further engage with and understand his great-grandfather’s legacy.
In his speech, Peck also shared a powerful message about how nations should measure their prosperity. “We should measure the prosperity of a nation not by the number of millionaires, but by the absence of poverty, the prevalence of health, the efficiency of the public schools, and the number of people who can read worthwhile books,” he stated, urging society to focus on education and equality as true indicators of progress.
As the 2023 United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award winner concluded his tribute, he left the audience with a moving prayer, echoing the wisdom of his great-grandfather: “Teach us, oh God, that now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best studying could be done, and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fill ourselves with the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.”
Peck’s words reinforced the timeless nature of Dr. Du Bois’ commitment to education, equality, and justice, inspiring future generations to continue the work of uplifting marginalized communities.
