[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. YOSEF A.A. BEN-JOCHANNAN: A PIONEER OF BLACK HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Yosef A.A. Ben-
Jochannan: professor, author, and educator of black history to troubled 
children. I would like to ask the members of the House to join in 
paying respect to an outstanding intellectual.
  Educated in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Spain, ``Dr. Ben'' as he is 
affectionately called, is a true scholar, earning doctoral degrees in 
Cultural Anthropology and Moorish History. He is not only a historian 
but also a trained lawyer, engineer, and Egyptologist. Dr. Ben has been 
devoted to the exploration of ancient African civilizations and the 
emphasis of Egypt's importance towards the understanding of religion 
and African history. He moved to Harlem in 1942 and later began 
teaching troubled children at Harlem Prep about black history. He has 
also served as a professor in Cornell University's African Studies and 
Research Center. Since 1941 Dr. Ben has visited Egypt twice a year and 
hosted more than 30 educational tours of Egypt focusing on the roots of 
ancient Nile civilizations and religions. At 85 years old, he has 
published 42 books, one being the world renowned ``The Black Man of the 
Nile and His Family''.
  Dr. Ben's scholarly work in the illumination of Africa's role in 
present ``Western'' religions has broken new ground for historians. His 
exceptional educating and tours have inspired many. His work in Harlem 
has especially touched me and it is with great admiration that I and 
other Members of Congress shall look upon this brave innovator of 
African historiography.




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