I just heard the sad news that earlier this morning, one of our precious surviving gems — Dr. Yosef A. A. ben-Jochannan — “join[ed] the ancestors.” The Amsterdam News wrote:

After being bed-ridden and placed in a specialized care unit at the Bay Park Nursing Home for the past several weeks, legendary Kemetaphysician Dr. Yosef A.A. ben-Jochannan, a.k.a. Dr. Ben, transitioned on to the ancestral realm Thursday (March 19) at approximately 3:30 a.m. Those close to him said he had stopped eating and drinking several days earlier, as his metabolism slowly churned down.

While the news saddened many, some of his colleagues acknowledged that he physically lived for almost a full century, having celebrated the 97th anniversary of his birth this past December 31st, and made plans to celebrate his life in a most glamorous fashion.

“He was one of [the] last great race men of his era,” said Nayaba Arinde, Amsterdam News Editor. “He was a master teacher who just wanted to share our amazing African history. He was a man of the people. He was always amongst us, educating, and sharing. Sitting with him was a gift of tremendous proportions. He was loved, and he loved his people.”

This is so sad. What’s even sadder is that most people of African descent, especially African Americans, have never heard of Dr. ben! I understand some of the reasons why because I just learned about him two or three years ago. I brought his book “African Origins of the Major Western Religions” and although I haven’t been able to finish it yet, he makes many persuasive arguments throughout the first 85 pages to prove that the major Western religions are watered down versions of ancient Kemetic religions. There’s no curse on black skin and the characters in the Torah/Bible, including “God” or Moses, were not white/European — they were Afrikan! There was so much knowledge and wisdom contained in that one body!! I encourage people to expand your mind and check out his lectures on Youtube. I think I’ve posted a video or two here — the one where he gives a tour of Kemet is one of my favorites. Rest in paradise Dr. ben-Jochannan!!

Source: “Dr. Ben Joins the Ancestors.” Amsterdam News. March 19, 2015. http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2015/mar/19/dr-ben-joins-ancestors/.