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Celebrating the Life and Spiritual Transition of Dr Yosef ben-Jochannan (Dr Ben) – w/ Official Video Tribute

Celebrating the Life and Transition of...

Dr. Yosef ben-Jochannan
December 31, 1918 - March 19, 2015

African Writer, Historian, Thinker, Teacher

Dr. Ben lecturing (left); with several of his many books (middle); and with his friends and our great teachers Dr. John Henrik Clarke (to Dr. Ben's left in picture) and Dr. Chancellor Williams (to Dr. Ben's right in picture)

Every day is a sacred day. We become more clear about this on some days more than on others, however, because of the circumstances and reminders we have of our place in the larger and longer scheme of space and time. Today is one of those days, as the world African community paused in recognition and celebration of Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan's transition into the community of Ancestors. A celebratory ceremony and African funeral rites were held today at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York.

During his lifetime, Dr. Ben, as he has long been affectionately called, reminded the world of the greatness of African people and African civilizations, but more importantly, he modeled the importance of impeccable scholarship, integrity, consistency and commitment in truth-telling about history and its impact on world affairs - past and present. He did so in direct partnership with many of his generation's notable scholars and historians and activists, including Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Drs. Rosalind and Leonard Jeffries, Edward Scobie, James Smalls, Dr. Marimba Ani, Dr. Charshee McIntyre, George G.M. James, Dr. John G. Jackson, Dr. Chancellor Williams among others.

There are many places to get detailed information about Dr. Ben's life and contribution, including writings, lectures and other events documented in print or on video. We should all take more time to further investigate Dr. Ben's scholarship and legacy, and most importantly reflect on the larger questions raised by Dr. Ben's work... namely why it was necessary for Europe and her descendants to: a) delete the truth about African people and African civilization from the systematic and positive commentary about world history and the evolution of human civilizations, and b) resist at every turn every attempt to set the historical record straight. This reflection, and the understandings that it brings forth, will continue to prepare us and future generations as we continue the journey.

We must worry not, however, as the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and wisdom about Africa and her gifts to world civilization continues.

Read additional bios and tributes...

• The (New York) Amsterdam News
• The History Makers
• AALBC - African American Literature Book Club

Get and Read the Books...

Be sure and review, purchase and read some of the books written by Dr. Ben. Click here to review many of these titles, beginning with those immediately available through Black Classic Press.