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...
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.
Remembering Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III – We Must Continue to Reclaim Our History!
Remembering...
Dr. Asa G. Hilliard
August 22, 1933 - August 13, 2007
Historian, Educator, Psychologist
Master Teacher
Today marks the 81st anniversary of Dr. Asa G. Hilliard's birth. We celebrate Dr. Hilliard on this day by revisiting one of his brilliant lectures, and suggesting the reading or re-reading of any of his classic texts (two featured below).
Don't just listen to the lecture, however. We have to do our homework, and do the additional reading that more fully explores the importance of African history in the socialization of African / African American children and youth. We have to do our homework and read, read, read!
We miss your physical presence, Dr. Hilliard, and your example and influence continues to live on.
SBA: The Reawakening of the African Mind - Dr. Asa G. Hilliard, III
The Maroon Within Us: Selected Essays on African American Community Socialization - Dr. Asa G. Hilliard, III
Dr. John Henrik Clarke, ‘A Great and Mighty Walk’: A Video Documentary
Just below is a great video documentary, 'A Great and Mighty Walk', featuring Professor John Henrik Clarke telling the story of African people throughout history, beginning with ancient African civilizations (pre-Europe by far) and through the 1990's (the time of the documentary).
In this documentary you'll see how much of a masterful storyteller Professor Clarke really is.
I continue to believe that EVERYONE should watch this documentary. Most people will begin to understand and more fully appreciate the broader experiences - and even the future possibilities - for African Americans, and African people more broadly, very differently. I realize many of you have already seen this, which is great. I also know there are some people who will see this and either feel threatened, or otherwise motivated to continue and reinforce the status quo. Indeed, they know, as do many of us, that 'We are indeed a great people!'
Narration is provided by Wesley Snipes, who played a large role in making this project possible.
This has been one of my absolute favorite documentaries for many years.
Approximately 90 minutes, and a real treat to watch.
Background
- About Oronde Miller
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- Oronde’s Book: Facing The Rising Sun
- a black love music celebration
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