A Tall Tree has Fallen: Dr. Ben transitions to Ancestorhood

The inimitable Dr. Ben

Yesterday, March 19 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Dr. Yosef A.A. Ben-Jochannan, otherwise affectionately known as Dr. Ben, passed away. He was 96 years young, and according to his own account lived a full and beautiful life, leaving us without regrets. When his heart is weighed against the feather of Maat, his life will reveal his nous attained, his destiny fulfilled. As a young man Dr Ben had the greatest impact on me. People that know me know I loved me some Dr. Ben. I am a Ben-ite, no doubt. At First World Alliance, in the late seventies and early eighties I heard him speak every week. Later Dr Clarke would join him. Dr Ben more than anybody else is responsible for the proliferation of Afrikan centered thought. He was out there lecturing on Garveyism, Pan-Afrikanism, the role of Afrikan people in the development of Western civilization, the reclaimation of Kemet, and other topics. Ben was also important in stressing that we as a people must give respect to the Afrikan woman.

Dr Ben was a very funny man. He use to have me dying with laughter. I have always enjoyed laughter; I come from a family that loves laughter. Hence, it was quite natural for me to infuse laughter into my lessons as a teacher of history, and in this way, I consciously emulated Dr. Ben. Any student that had me as a teacher can admit to my blend of Pan-Afrikan, pro-Black orientation and humor. My classes were hilarious, thought-provoking, and Afrikan centered. And I have Dr. Ben to thank for it.

Rest in peace, in Amenta

Seba Damani

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