Mrs. Du Bois:

I have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Dr. Du Bois, and I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to you.

Dr. Du Bois was a great figure of our time. His courageous struggle for the liberation of Black people and all humanity, his outstanding scholarly achievements, and his sincere friendship with the Chinese people will forever be enshrined in the memory of the Chinese people.

Mao Zedong
August 29, 1963

(People’s Daily, June 30, 1963)