Books by Jacob H. Carruthers

African or American: A Question of Intellectual Allegiance   Western Civilization: Africa or Greece, Whose Legacy?

Kemet and the African Worldview   Essays in Ancient Egyptian Studies  Kemet and the African Worldview

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Maa Kheru  'True of Voice'

The Passing of Jacob H. Carruthers

Scholar and Educator

Visitation: Thursday January 8, 2004    

Services  well be held Friday January 9, 2004 

Hotep Asa and all,

Dr. Jacob H. Carruthers made his transition this morning, January 4, 2004 at 9:38 a.m. Chicago Time into the realm of the ancestors. His spirit soars as I write these words. These tears are mixed with joy and sadness that I must tell you of his passing. Please do not be distressed, for his love and joy will live on forever. His magnificent works will lead us into the future and assure liberation for our people.

The Creator knew what was best for my teacher, my friend, my mentor, my brother and all the other things he has meant to me and so many others around the world. He is truly loved. There is a hole in my heart and I feel so sad yet, I rejoice in knowing one of the most brilliant men I have ever met in my lifetime. Jake is a genius and will serve us well among the ranks of Dr. Clarke, Dr. Williams, Dr. Diop, Dr. McIntyre, et al. and for that I am grateful.

The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) asks for prayers and libations of all Africans for safe passage of the Ka of our youngest ancestor as he begins his initiation into eternity.

Know that you are loved by me and the ASCAC family as we all continue to build for eternity.

neb ankh, udjah, seneb, mi Ra djet (May you have all life, prosperity and health like the sun forever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Queen Nzinga Ratibisha Heru,  International President

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Dr. Jake was a great scholar and educator, also a friend to everyone that has had the opportunity to share his space.  I had hoped to have him in New Orleans this past fall but his illness prevented that.  Fortunately, Benjamin Swinson, another good friend and scholar was in the wings and prepared to step in. 

His works, "Intellectual Warfare" and "The Irritated Genii" are among the important books of the 20th century.  His creation, the Kemetic Institute, will live on and flourish according to those tenets that he set forth over the years. 

We will only have to miss his corporeal presence.  His spirit is undying. Chuck Siler

Professor Jacob Carruthers, born  15 February 1930 in Dallas, firmly believed that a large part of liberating African American people comes from understanding and connecting history, culture, and heritage.He received a B.A. from Samuel Houston College in 1950, an M.A. from Texas Southern University in 1958, and a Ph.D. in political studies from the University of Colorado in 1966. From 1966 to 1968, Carruthers worked as an assistant professor at Kansas State College before joining the staff of Northeastern Illinois University's Center for Inner City Studies (CICS).

Along with Anderson Thompson, Robert Starks, Conrad Worrill and others, Carruthers, shaped the CICS program into one that emphasized self-determination, activism, and study of the global black community.

In this context, Carruthers earned respect as one of the world's leading experts in classical African civilizations. His interests carried him throughout the continent of Africa, conducting study tours to Egypt, Ethiopia, the Nile Valley, Zimbabwe, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and other parts of West Africa. Carruthers wrote or edited hundreds of essays and papers on his findings and his major works include: The Irritated Genie: An Essay on the Haitian Revolution, Essays in Ancient Egyptian Studies, Intellectual Warfare, MDW NTR: Devine Speech and Science and Oppression. Kemet and the African Worldview

He lectured at various educational institutions, served on evaluation teams for many area high schools, and worked as a consultant to both the Dayton and Chicago public school systems. Carruthers served as founding president of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations for five years. In that capacity, he led a group of 1,000 black teachers, students, artists and scholars from the United States to the Nubian Cultural Center in Aswan, Egypt, for a two-week conference and tour of Nubia and Egypt.

He was a founding member and priest of the Temple of African Community of Chicago and founding member and director of the Kemetic (Egyptian) Institute, which sponsors the annual Teaching About Africa program for teachers and school administrators. He married his wife, Ifé, in 1986 and has four children.

Sources: History Makers    ASAC Bios

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update 18 September 2008