U.S. Embassy Partners with African-American Association of Ghana to Celebrate Black History Month
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, January 31, 2018/ — The U.S. Embassy has partnered with the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) to celebrate Black History Month, an annual observance each February in the United States, Canada, and a handful of other countries. During Black History Month, special efforts are made to highlight historical figures and events in the African diaspora.
To mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, the U.S. Embassy and AAAG will focus on the legacy and global impact of noted American civil rights activist and Pan-Africanist, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963). Dr. Du Bois was buried in Accra after having spent the latter part of his life in Ghana. His former home is now the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, which will serve as the venue for most of the Black History Month programs. Programs will also be held in Cape Coast.
The U.S. Embassy and the African American Association of Ghana wish to invite all interested parties to attend the programs. Events include panel discussions, a traditional African American church service, a durbar, and a symposium. The programs will highlight the impact that Dr. Du Bois had on the lives of African Americans, the African diaspora at large, and individuals dedicated to shaping the social and political landscape of the United States throughout the 20th century. In addition, the programs will focus on discussing the issues influencing Pan-Africanism today.
As part of these historic celebrations, the U.S. Embassy and AAAG are proud to welcome Dr. Du Bois’ great-grandson, Mr. Arthur McFarlane II of Colorado, USA, to lead a wreath laying ceremony at Dr. Du Bois’ mausoleum and give public lectures.
All events are free of charge and open to the public.
Black History Month Launch (Topic: Honoring our Past, Affirming our Present, Owning our Future)
Date: Saturday, February 3
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (doors open 9:30 am)
Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Cantonments, Accra
Traditional African American Church Service
Date: Sunday, February 11
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Cantonments, Accra
Durbar and Wreath Laying Ceremony
Date: Monday, February 19
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am (reception from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Cantonments, Accra
Academic Symposium (Topic: Honoring Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Yesterday and Today)
Date: Thursday, February 22
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
Public Lecture by Mr. Arthur McFarlane II (Topic: The Life of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois)
Date: Saturday, February 24
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: John Evans Atta Mills Presidential Library, Cape Coast
Lighting of Cape Coast Castle (Launches Permanent Nightly Illumination)
Date: Saturday, February 24
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Can be viewed from area surrounding Cape Coast Castle
White Ceremony
Date: Sunday, February 25
Time: 6:00 am – 7:00 am
Venue: One Africa Health Resort, Cape Coast
An Evening of Spoken Word
Date: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Cantonments, Accra