I am utterly astounded that there were no significant media tributes or celebrations over the passing of Dr. Yosef A.A. ben-Jochannan, or as he was known, Dr. Ben.
He was one of America’s foremost influential scholars. His writing of history and his teaching of history were a part of our social struggle and consciousness, and he was a creative and acclaimed author on the study of African people.
Dr. Ben’s formal education began in Puerto Rico. His early education continued in the Virgin Islands and in Brazil, where he attended elementary and secondary school. Dr. Ben earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, and a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Havana, Cuba. He received doctoral degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Moorish History, from the University of Havana and the University of Barcelona Spain.
Dr. Ben was adjunct professor at Cornell University for over a decade. He wrote and published over 49 books and papers, revealing much of the information unearthed while he was in Egypt. Two of his better known works are “Black Man of the Nile and His Family” and “Africa: Mother of Major Western Religions.”
In 1939, shortly after receiving his undergraduate degree, Dr. Ben’s father sent him to Egypt to study firsthand the ancient history of African people. Since 1941, Dr. Ben visited Egypt at least twice a year. He began leading educational tours to Egypt in 1946. When asked why he began the tours, he replied, “Because no one knew or cared about Egypt and most believed Egypt was not in Africa.”
According to Dr. Ben, Egypt is the place to go to learn the fundamentals of living. Over five decades have passed and Dr. Ben, a preeminent scholar and Egyptologist, remained focused on Nile Valley civilization. His presentations had placed him in great demand by students and community groups, especially those of African descent.
Dr. Ben believed African-American students ought to know they spring from a legacy of achievement and distinction through the ages. He insisted that ancient Egypt is the source of civilization and that Egyptians had a stronger influence on the formation of Greek culture than is generally recognized. He taught that Africa is the most reasonable place to examine the origins of civilization in public schools.
Dr. Ben understood that because of their inherent prejudice against Africans and peoples of African descent, mainstream traditionalists have ignored a significant body of evidence.
Dr. Ben has joined the ancestors and teaching of African historical contributions. I am certain that Dr. Ben is having discussions with Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Cheikh Anta Diop, Martin, Marcus and Malcolm about history’s treatment of things and people African and still teaching the basic tenets of Afrocentricity.
Rest well, Dr. Ben. Hotep!
Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net.
