On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) unveiled a new historical marker in Atlanta about scholar, professor, editor, and advocate William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868-1963). The newest addition to GHS’s Georgia Civil Rights Trail, the marker was dedicated in partnership with The Rich’s Foundation and Morris Brown College.
“The influence of W.E.B. Du Bois on the struggle waged by Black people for equality in America is incalculable,” said GHS President and CEO Dr. W. Todd Groce. “Just as incalculable is the influence of Georgia on Dr. Du Bois. The events he experienced and the people he met while living in our state shaped him and his scholarship, helping America to live up to the promises of liberty contained in our founding documents. This is the first biographical marker in the South about Du Bois, and it is long overdue.”
The W.E.B. Du Bois historical marker joins the GHS Georgia Civil Rights Trail, an initiative that uses Georgia Historical Markers to highlight significant stories about the struggle for civil and human rights from Reconstruction through the late twentieth century. Born shortly after the Civil War, Du Bois became one of the most influential African-American leaders of the first half of the twentieth century, often as a result of his scholarly work and publications.
“We are honored to commemorate the life and legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois with this marker, recognizing his profound contributions to civil rights, education, and social justice,” said The Rich’s Foundation Chair John Montag. “Du Bois’s tireless efforts to advocate for equality and his pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire generations.”
The marker was erected on Morris Brown College campus in Atlanta, at Fountain (Stone) Hall, the site of Du Bois’s former office. Though from Massachusetts, Du Bois lived in Georgia for two extended periods from 1897-1910 and 1934-1944. He came to Georgia having accepted a faculty position at Atlanta University (later Clark Atlanta University), eventually chairing its sociology department. As a result of his experiences and studies, Du Bois wrote some of his most influential work while in Georgia, including The Souls of Black Folk (1903), and Black Reconstruction (1935).
“It is a distinct honor to dedicate a historical marker at Morris Brown College in recognition of W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the most influential thought leaders who advanced the cause of our community,” said Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James. “His profound contributions continue to inspire generations, and we are proud to commemorate his legacy at this institution.”
Speakers at the dedication included: Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., Interim President, Interdenominational Theological Center and Senior Pastor, Historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO, Georgia Historical Society; Dr. Kevin James, President, Morris Brown College; Dr. Juliet Asher, The Rich’s Foundation; Dr. Rachanice Candy Tate, Art Historian, Curator, and Co-Director, The Legacy Museum at Tuskegee University and Member, Fountain Hall Development Group, LLC; Jeffrey Alan Peck, Sr., CEO, W.E.B. Du Bois Educational Foundation; and Rev. Charles (Chuck) Barlow, Sr., President, The Friends of Fountain Hall and Morris Brown College alumni.