For nearly an hour, at the recent gathering of the Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP) in Queens, Dr. Molefi Kete Asante delivered an exegesis on the life and legacy of his colleague, the late Dr. John Henrik Clarke.
After receiving the microphone from Dr. James McIntosh and recognizing Betty Dopson, one of CEMOTAP’s founders, Asante began his tribute to Dr. Clarke.
“He remembered our history more than most historians. We used to call him a walking encyclopedia,” Asante said. Rather than citing Dr. Clarke’s long and impressive resume, including a teaching career that spanned more than 60 years, Asante placed Clarke, who died in 1998 at age 83, within the current social and political milieu, noting that he was a Black Nationalist, “and a Democratic Socialist long before those being talked about today.”
Asante explained that Dr. Clarke did not hold back his reservations, always insisting on speaking the truth no matter the circumstances.
“He even criticized me, telling me, ‘Molefi, you write too fast,’” Asante asserted as he mentioned that he had just completed his 107th book.
More than one hour is necessary to capture the full import and impact of Dr. Clarke’s versatility, the expanse of his scholarly research and publications, to say nothing of his international travel and study, including his stay in Ghana as a journalist.
Still, Asante did a remarkable job recounting a man whose collection of books and manuscripts filled his Harlem brownstone. He said that Dr. Clarke would stand in defense of the Palestinians, and view the war with Iran “as irrational” and President Trump as “a racist.” At the end of his remarks, Asante apologized for his hoarseness, which in no way impaired his message of Dr. Clarke’s love for Black people.
“When I come back again, I will be even more forceful,” and that is something that is hard to believe, given the thunder and insight he delivered through his vivid memories of Dr. Clarke.
It was my good fortune to edit and collaborate with both eminent scholars: with Molefi Asante on his “African American History: Journey of Liberation,” and with Dr. Clarke on “The Middle Passage: White Ships/Black Cargo,” illustrated by Tom Feelings.
If things go as planned, I will work with Asante again, along with Professor William Gibbons, on a definitive collection of Dr. Clarke’s lectures and manuscripts now at the library at City College.
