Remembering Shirley Graham Du Bois: A Woman Who Called Ghana Home - Ghanaian Times

Shirley Graham Du Bois passed away 48 years ago. She left a global legacy. Although born in the U.S., she made Ghana her home. Shirley became a key figure in Ghana’s culture, politics, and media. She was more than Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois's wife; she was an accomplished writer, composer, historian, and civil rights activist.

In 1961, Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, welcomed the Du Boises to Ghana. At age 93, Dr. Du Bois worked on the Encyclopedia Africana. This project aimed to tell African history from an African perspective. Shirley supported this dream and engaged deeply in Ghana’s intellectual and political life.

After her husband died in 1963, Shirley remained in Ghana. She continued their Pan-African work and strengthened ties with the African American community. In 1964, she became Director of Ghana National Television. There, she shaped media content to reflect African culture and independence.

Shirley helped position Ghana as a leader in Pan-African media. She empowered women in journalism and created space for Black voices globally. She believed that Ghana could be a cultural home for people of African descent worldwide.

Through her media work and connections with the diaspora, Shirley encouraged African Americans to see Ghana as more than just a destination. She wanted them to view it as a place of belonging and pride.