Ben is that at some point in his life he came to believe in Islam and declared his testimony of faith in his elder years. He emphasized to his students the role of classical Egyptian civilization in raising humanity out of darkness, but also the relevance of those achievements to their own lives and abilities to contribute to the arts and sciences. Ben mentored generations of truth seekers about African people and accompanied thousands on his twice-a-year trips to Egypt where he guided students to study ancient sites and artifacts that were constructed or invented by their ancestors. His teaching extended beyond the traditional walls of academia to the “university of the streets” where he lectured atop a step ladder on the corner of 125th Street and 7th Avenue in front of the historic Teresa Hotel in Harlem. He was associated with Cornell University for 15 years, first as a visiting professor at its Africana Studies and Research Center and then as an adjunct professor. He was tireless and undaunted in battling the hegemonic grip that Euro-centered thought has on world history. Ben was an outspoken critic on cultural issues with a courageous, independent intellect who eschewed ivory-tower pedagogy. Ben rejected racist, stereotypical descriptions of Africans such as “primitive,” “pagan,” or “uncivilized,” and “a host of other derogatory superlatives they have reserved exclusively for usage with respect to Africans only.” Battling a Eurocentric and Supremacist Grip on World Historyĭr. Furthermore, he declared that Prophets Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad were dark complexioned, not white as depicted in the movies and on television, an idea considered anathema by individuals who see through a white-supremacist lens. Rogers, and asserted, for example, that the original Jews were black Africans from Ethiopia. He wrote in the vein of his predecessor, J.A. Ben insisted that the foundation of monotheistic faiths is rooted in ancient Egyptian sciences. These were written before he converted to Islam, and in The African Origins of the Major Western Religions, Dr.
His books include We the Black Jews, Black Man of the Nile and His Family, and The African Origins of the Major Western Religions, a work which offers a critical and controversial perspective of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Yet, his life’s work and evolving as a human being and believer is inspiring. He was a man whose contribution was overwhelmingly positive and valuable in the efforts to counter a Eurocentric supremacist worldview but until the latter years of his life when he declared his identity as a Muslim, he held and disseminated many wrong ideas about Islam. Ben self-published over 49 books on African-centered history that continue to be studied in universities in the United States and across the world. Virgin Islands, and moved to Harlem around 1940.ĭr. Cornel West said that he “was blessed to study at his feet.” Affectionately known as Dr. Ben-Jochannan was once a powerful orator and a prolific author, one of the most vital and radical Afro-centric voices of his generation.” Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan passed away on Main the Bay Park Nursing Home in Bronx, New York, no less prestigious publication than the New York Times reported, “Mr. He was tireless and undaunted in battling the hegemonic grip that Euro-centered thought has on world history Ben’s pre-Islamic legacy has been frozen in time, much like his friend and contemporary, Malcolm X, who only practiced the religion of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) for the last 11 months of his life.ĭr. Yet, after embracing Islam in the twilight of his life, Dr. His influence on generations of Afro-Centrists is undeniable. Yusef Ben-Jochannan was one of the most prolific authors and lecturers on African history throughout the Diaspora of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century. Yosef Ben-Jochannan’s Journey: From Afrocentrism to IslamĮditor’s Note: Dr.
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