Scholar, Traveler, and Advocate for African History
Runoko Rashidi, born on August 16, 1954, in South Central Los Angeles, emerged as a prominent scholar and researcher during the Black Power Era. At 19, he adopted his Africanized name, meaning “handsome counselor,” after traveling and engaging with communities in eastern and southern Africa. Rashidi attended the Los Angeles public school system, he earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and briefly studied anthropology and archaeology at UCLA. His academic interests were deeply influenced by works like Chancellor Williams’ The Destruction of Black Civilization and the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X.
Body of Work
In the early 1980s, a chance encounter with Dr. Ivan Van Sertima at UCLA set Rashidi on a path to becoming a prolific writer and researcher. By 1982, he began contributing to and eventually editing Van Sertima’s The Journal of African Civilizations. Over his career, Rashidi studied under and collaborated with renowned scholars like John Henrik Clarke, Asa G. Hilliard, Edward Scobie, and John G. Jackson. He authored 22 books, including Introduction to the Study of African Classical Civilizations, My Global Journeys in Search of the African Presence, and The Black Image in Antiquity. His works explored the global African presence and its historical significance, challenging Eurocentric narratives and highlighting the contributions of African civilizations.
One of Rashidi’s most influential works, The Black Image in Antiquity, examines the depiction of African people in ancient art and iconography. The book presents a compelling visual and historical analysis of how Africans were represented in Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and other ancient civilizations. Through detailed images and scholarly commentary, Rashidi demonstrated that African people were integral to the cultural and political landscapes of antiquity, countering the erasure of Black contributions from mainstream historical narratives.
In African Star Over Asia: The Black Presence in the East, Rashidi traced the migration and influence of African people across Asia. The book highlights the African presence in regions such as India, China, and Southeast Asia, showcasing how African communities and leaders shaped the cultural, political, and spiritual fabric of these areas. Rashidi’s research revealed the interconnectedness of African and Asian histories, challenging the notion that African influence was confined to the continent.
Similarly, Black Star: The African Presence in Early Europe delves into the often-overlooked history of Africans in Europe before the transatlantic slave trade. Rashidi documented the presence of African people in ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe, emphasizing their roles as rulers, soldiers, artists, and scholars. The book provides evidence of African contributions to European civilization, dismantling myths of racial purity and superiority.
Rashidi’s work took him around the world, from India and Australia to Turkey, France, and Vietnam, as well as across Africa. He was a curatorial and academic board member of the Pan-African Heritage Museum in Ghana and was researching the African presence in museums at the time of his death. Rashidi also envisioned creating a Black history channel and developing educational materials on ancient African history for K-12 students, reflecting his commitment to making African history accessible to all.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Rashidi became a sought-after lecturer, delivering keynote addresses at international conferences such as the First All-India Dalit Writers Conference and the Diaspora Forum at the Fesman Conference in Senegal. His work also extended to organizing and participating in events like the African People’s Conference at Compton Community College, which brought together leading Afrocentric scholars and elevated the institution’s profile as a hub for African-centered education.
Rashidi’s accolades included an honorary doctoral degree from Amen-Ra Theological Seminary in Los Angeles and a designation as traveling ambassador for the Universal Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League Rehabilitation Committee. His passion for Black history and culture was rooted in a deep love for his people, as he often expressed. In a virtual event, Rashidi emphasized the importance of pride in Black identity, urging others to celebrate their heritage unapologetically.
Legacy
Rashidi’s legacy as a global lecturer, researcher, and organizer continues to inspire. His extensive travels, groundbreaking research, and commitment to educating others about the African presence in world history have left an indelible mark. Rashidi’s work not only honored the contributions of those who came before him but also paved the way for future generations to explore and celebrate the richness of African heritage.
Sadly, Runoko Rashidi passed away August 2, 2021, leaving behind a literary body of work as a testament to his love, and his dedication to contributing to the conscious awakening of afro-indigenous people throughout the diaspora. It has been reported that Rashidi was in Egypt on tour when he passed. Allegedly, the cause of death was unknown.
