Remembering Runoko Rashidi on His Heavenly Birthday August 16 marks the birthday of Runoko Rashidi, a beloved historian, scholar, author, researcher, and world traveler whose life was dedicated to uncovering and sharing the global presence of African people.
Born in 1954, Rashidi became internationally known for his research into African history and the African presence throughout the ancient and modern world. His travels took him to more than
100 countries, where he visited museums, archaeological sites,sacred places, and communities, documenting the African presence across Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and the Americas. His work
encouraged generations of people of African descent to look beyond the history of slavery and colonization and reconnect with the depth, antiquity, and global reach of African civilization.
Rashidi was the author and editor of numerous works, including Black Star: The African Presence in Early Europe and Uncovering the African Past: The Ivan Van Sertima Papers. More than a scholar, he was a passionate teacher who believed that knowing our history could restore pride, identity, and dignity. Through his lectures, photographs, writings, tours, and conversations, he inspired people around the world to study history for themselves and to continue
uncovering stories too often left out of traditional narratives.
At the WorldBeat Cultural Center, Runoko was family. We were blessed to have him as one of our historians of the African diaspora, sharing his knowledge through presentations for Kwanzaa, Black History Month, and later through online programs that allowed his wisdom to reach our community even from afar. We especially cherish the memories of traveling with
Runoko to South America, learning alongside him and experiencing firsthand the passion and curiosity that guided his life's journey.
Runoko Rashidi made his transition on August 2, 2021, while traveling in Egypt, just two weeks before his 67th birthday. On what would have been his 72nd birthday, we know that people
across the world are remembering and missing his unmistakable presence, his great wisdom, and his dedication to our people.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to our beloved Runoko Rashidi. We miss you, we honor you, and we thank you for helping generations of African people throughout the diaspora see themselves more fully in the story of the world.
