Quote of the Day: Runoko Rashidi

 

Runoko Rashidi was not just a historian; he was a world traveler, a prolific author, and a dedicated advocate for the "Global African Presence." Born Ronnie Ross in 1954 in Stockton, California, he dedicated over 40 years of his life to documenting the history and contributions of African people across the globe.

His journey was sparked at age 18 when he read Chancellor Williams’ The Destruction of Black Civilization. This "spark" led him to a career that spanned over 120 countries, uncovering the roots of African influence in places many had never considered, from the islands of the Pacific to the heart of Asia.

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Major Achievements & Contributions

Rashidi’s work was centered on the belief that African history did not begin with enslavement but with the very foundations of humanity and civilization.

• Prolific Authorship: He authored or edited over 20 books, including:

  • African Presence in Early Asia (co-edited with Ivan Van Sertima)

  • Black Star: The African Presence in Early Europe

  • African Star over Asia: The Black Presence in the East

  • My Global Journeys in Search of the African Presence

• Global Research: Rashidi was a leading authority on the African presence in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. He was particularly known for his work documenting the Dalits (the "Black Untouchables" of India) and their historic struggle.

• A "Self-Contained University": Rather than being confined to traditional academia, Rashidi utilized social media, YouTube, and international tours to educate the public directly. He served as a Traveling Ambassador for Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

• Visual Documentation: A key part of his legacy is his massive archive of thousands of photographs. He used these images to provide "irrefutable evidence" of African identities in ancient art, sculptures, and historical figures globally.

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A Life Dedicated to Truth

In August 2021, Dr. Rashidi passed away in Egypt while leading one of his signature educational tours. He died doing what he loved: exploring the roots of human history in Kemet (Ancient Egypt).

His work continues to inspire a new generation of scholars to look beyond regional borders and recognize the interconnectedness of the African Diaspora. As he often said, "Don't start our history at the end; start it at the beginning."

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Sources

• Dr. Runoko Rashidi Official Biography – drrunoko.com

• Runoko Rashidi: The Pharaoh of Black History – Kentake Page

• African Presence in Early Asia – Transaction Publishers (1988), edited by Ivan Van Sertima and Runoko Rashidi.

• AALBC (African American Literature Book Club) – Runoko Rashidi Profile