48 years ago, Shirley Graham du Bois passed away, leaving behind a global heritage site. Although born in the United States, she made her home in Ghana and became an important figure in the country’s cultural, political and media space. Not only was Dr. Web Du Bois’ wife, Shirley was a skilled writer, composer, historian and civil rights activist himself.
In 1961, Ghana’s first president, Dr. Osagiefo, Dr. Kwamenukurma, welcomed Dubouche to Ghana. At age 93, Dr. Dubois focused on completing the encyclopedia Africana, the dream he shared with Nukulma. Shirley supported the project and immersed himself in Ghana’s intellectual and political life.
After her husband passed away in 1963, Shirley stayed in Ghana, continuing her African work, strengthening relations between Ghana and the African-American community. In 1964 she was appointed Director of Ghana’s National Television, shaping media content to reflect Africa’s culture and independence. She has established Ghana as a leader in Pan-Africa media, empowering women in journalism and creating space for black voices in global conversation.
Shirley believed that Ghana could serve as a cultural and spiritual home for people of African descent all over the world. Through her media work and connections with the diaspora, she encouraged African Americans to look to Ghana not only as a destination, but as a place of belonging and pride.
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She worked with Ghanaian intellectuals and leaders to promote policies centered on African identity and cultural strength. Her leadership style was inclusive and bold, challenging gender norms and defending more women who led the media and politics. Shirley Graham du Bois stood tall as the woman’s voices were often silent.
Her efforts in radio, television and printing expanded Ghana’s influence at a critical moment in the world’s black liberation movement. She ensured that African stories of achievements, resistance and unity were not only preserved, but were also boldly shared with the world.
However, in 1966, political changes followed by the overthrow of Nkulma, forced many people, including Shirley, to leave Ghana. Even in exile, she remained a fierce advocate for Africa’s unity and cultural preservation, continuing to write, lecture and speak about the global platform.
Today, as Ghana grows as an African-American heritage tourism centre, Shirley’s contributions deserve recognition along with people like Web Du Bois and George Padmore. She helped establish Ghana as a beacon of black excellence and pan-African ideas.
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Her book – Tom Tom, Dr. George Washington Carver, scientist, Paul Robson, citizens of the world, and once slaves – today inspired readers. On this anniversary, we remember her not only as a wife, but as an incredible woman who helped shape Ghana’s place in world history.
The Web Du Bois Museum Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of this memorial as part of its mission to maintain and promote its Pan-African heritage. They work to transform the Webbdu Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture into a world-class museum complex. This is a vibrant hub for education, tourism and cultural diplomacy that honors the heritage of both Dr. DuBois and Shirley Graham DuBois.
Web Du Bois Museum Foundation | March 27, 2025
