Black History Month
at DuBois Centre

As part of the global celebration of Black History Month 2015, the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) is proud to host a vibrant and meaningful event: "A Day of Dialogue and Cultural Exchange" on Saturday, February 28, at the iconic W.E.B. DuBois Centre for Pan-African Culture in Accra, Ghana.

This celebratory gathering is not just a moment of reflection, but a powerful bridge between past, present, and future — a living conversation between Africa and its diaspora. The event brings together a dynamic assembly of scholars, cultural leaders, and visionaries from Ghana and the African American community, united by a shared commitment to cultural pride, mutual respect, and Pan-African unity.

Celebrating Black History Month in Ghana

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance celebrated in the United States, Canada, the UK, and increasingly across Africa and the diaspora. It is a time to remember and honor the achievements, sacrifices, and resilience of people of African descent throughout history — from enslaved ancestors and civil rights pioneers to today’s trailblazers in arts, science, politics, and global culture.

This observance takes on even deeper meaning when celebrated on African soil. Ghana, a historic gateway of the transatlantic slave trade and the first African nation to gain independence, provides a powerful backdrop for reflection, healing, and renewed cultural dialogue.

A Dynamic Program of Exchange and Unity

The Day of Dialogue and Cultural Exchange will begin in celebratory fashion with music and dance performances, setting the tone for a rich and inclusive program. The day’s core will feature four engaging panel discussions, exploring key themes that touch the hearts and minds of people across the diaspora:

• African American Heroes: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

• Are African Americans 'Obroni'? – Understanding Meaning and Identity

• How African-American Culture Has Influenced Global Cultures

• From Division to Unity: Embracing the Principles That Bring Us Together

Each topic invites open discussion, shared stories, and deep introspection — aimed at fostering connection, clearing misconceptions, and building stronger cultural ties between Ghanaians and African Americans.

A Distinguished Line-Up of Speakers and Cultural Leaders

This special day will feature a powerhouse of thought leaders and change-makers, including:

• Dr. Fenton Sands – US AID Consultant

• Philiipe Ayivor – President, American Chamber of Commerce Ghana

• Prof. Kofi Agyekum – Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana

• Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician

• Janet Butler – Vice President, Caribbean United Way Worldwide

• Dr. Samuel Ntewusu – Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies

Also joining the dialogue:

• Dr. Esi Sutherland-Addy – Senior Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies

• Rabbi Kohain – Leader of the Hebrew Israelites of Ghana

• Dr. Catherine Gardiner – President, Caribbean Association of Ghana

• Brenda Powell – President, Rita Marley Foundation

Their collective experience spans academia, diplomacy, business, the arts, and cultural preservation. Their presence underscores the rich tapestry of Black excellence across continents and generations.

Collaboration, Support, and Shared Purpose

This landmark event is proudly sponsored by a coalition of institutions committed to promoting cultural education and Pan-African dialogue, including:

• The United States Embassy in Accra

• The W.E.B. DuBois Centre for Pan-African Culture

• The Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana

• The Centre for African and International Studies, University of Cape Coast

Together, these institutions are fostering environments where dialogue becomes action, and history becomes a shared path to the future.

Looking Forward: A Future Rooted in Unity

As we gather in the spirit of Black History Month, let us do more than honor the past — let us shape the future. A future where people of African descent, no matter where they were born, feel a deep sense of belonging in the global African family. A future where African Americans and Caribbeans return not as visitors, but as partners, builders, and kin.

In Ghana, we are not just remembering — we are reconnecting. We are building bridges across oceans, healing generational wounds, and writing a new chapter of Pan-African solidarity and pride.

So let us celebrate. Let us converse. Let us dance, reflect, and rise — together.

Because Black history is not just about the past. It is about what we create together — today and tomorrow.

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