Excerpt
The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, located in Accra, Ghana, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois—a distinguished African-American historian, civil rights activist, and pivotal figure in Pan-Africanism. Established in 1985 by the Ghanaian government, the Centre serves to honor Dr. Du Bois’s contributions and to promote the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
Historical Background
Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, renowned for his advocacy of Pan-Africanism, relocated to Ghana in 1961 at the invitation of President Kwame Nkrumah. He became a Ghanaian citizen and was appointed as the first director of the Encyclopedia Africana project. Following his death in 1963, the Ghanaian government dedicated his former residence as the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture on June 22, 1985.
Mandate and Objectives
The Centre’s primary objectives include:
- Promoting the ideals of Pan-Africanism among both the African diaspora and continental Africans.
- Fostering research and disseminating knowledge related to African culture and history.
- Encouraging constructive interactions between Africans and the global community.
- Facilitating the appreciation and continual re-evaluation of African cultural heritage.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
In 2023, the Government of Ghana entered into a long-term agreement with the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation to restore, rebuild, and expand the Centre into a major Pan-African historical, educational, and cultural complex.
The Foundation, established in 2019, is a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Dr. Du Bois’s legacy.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Specific details regarding the appointment and recruitment processes within the Centre are not publicly disclosed. However, as a collaborative effort between the Ghanaian government and the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, appointments are likely made through mutual agreements between these entities.
Affiliated Offices and Units
The Centre operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana. It collaborates with various agencies to organize events such as the annual Du Bois-Padmore-Nkrumah Lecture series and the celebration of Black History Month.
Constitutional Reforms
There is no publicly available information indicating that the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre has undergone any constitutional reforms since its establishment.
Achievements
Over the years, the Centre has:
- Hosted numerous lectures, exhibitions, and performances that promote Pan-African ideals.
- Served as a research hub, housing Dr. Du Bois’s personal library and a collection of works related to Pan-Africanism.
- Provided a space for scholars, artists, and tourists to engage with African history and culture.
In 2024, the Mellon Foundation announced a $5 million grant to support the development of the Centre into a major Pan-African historical, educational, and cultural complex.
Visiting the Centre
Visitors to the Centre can explore Dr. Du Bois’s final residence, which now serves as a museum, and pay respects at his mausoleum. The Centre also features an open-air theatre and the Marcus Garvey Guest House.
References
- https://visitghana.com/attractions/w-e-b-dubois-centre/
- https://www.motac.gov.gh/w-e-b-du-bois-centre/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois_Memorial_Centre_for_Pan_African_Culture
- https://webdbmf.org/
- https://webduboiscentreaccra.ghana-net.com/index.html
- https://encyclopaediaafricana.com/w-e-b-dubois-memorial-centre/
- https://webdbmf.org/our-story/