Walter Mosley Visited W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre

The New York Secretary of State met with officials in Accra to discuss potential museum partnerships.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in African-American

Walter Mosley Visited W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre

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New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley traveled to the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre in Accra, Ghana, to meet with foundation leaders. The visit focused on exploring potential collaborations and funding support for the site.

Why it matters

The visit highlights growing efforts to strengthen ties between New York and international cultural institutions dedicated to the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. It also emphasizes the ongoing push to transform the memorial site into a comprehensive museum complex.

The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre is located at 22 First Circular Road in Cantonments. W.E.B. Du Bois moved to Ghana at age 93 and remained in the country until his death.

The players

Walter Mosley

He serves as the New York Secretary of State and oversees various administrative functions within the state government.

W.E.B. Du Bois

He was a renowned civil rights activist, historian, and scholar who relocated to Ghana in his final years.

Jerry John Rawlings

He was a former President of Ghana who officially inaugurated the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre in 1985.

W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation

This organization manages the memorial site and coordinates efforts to establish a permanent museum complex.

Diaspora Bridge Consulting

This firm specializes in managing international relations and facilitated the logistical arrangements for the state visit.

The details

Secretary of State Walter Mosley visited the site to engage with the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation regarding its long-term plan to develop a museum complex featuring a library, art theatre, and guest accommodation. The project, which is currently undergoing campus-wide renovations, seeks to build on a 2021 partnership agreement between the foundation and the Government of Ghana.

W.E.B. Du Bois moved to Ghana in 1961.
W.E.B. Du Bois died in Accra on August 27, 1963.
President Jerry John Rawlings opened the memorial on June 22, 1985.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation was formed in 2019.
The foundation signed a partnership agreement with the Ghana government in 2021.

Culture Shift

The push to modernize the memorial reflects a broader global movement to preserve and institutionalize the legacies of historical figures from the African diaspora. This development moves beyond simple monument preservation to create functional, multi-purpose cultural hubs.

The potential partnership could lead to educational exchanges or cultural programs benefiting New York residents interested in global history. Successful fundraising and museum development will eventually provide a new travel destination for those tracing the history of the African diaspora.

The takeaway

The transformation of the memorial into a full-scale museum marks a significant step in preserving the transnational legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Future progress on this cultural project will largely depend on the success of upcoming fundraising campaigns.