Celebrating Life NOW: Dr. Lenworth Gunther

Celebrating Life NOW Pt. 2


In a recent blog, I wrote about the necessity of acknowledging those who have sacrificed and dedicated so much to the forward progress of all human beings, Afrikan people specifically. Many emails, online, personal and radio discussions prompted me to write what I wrote about Dr. Yosef ben Yochannan, a giant among us now. Also, with the 44th anniversary of the assassination of Minister Malcolm X and its "celebration", I was moved to acknowledge, show appreciation for, and hail our living repository of Ourstory, Dr. Ben.

I now extend the same "celebration" to my personal mentor and teacher, Dr. Lenworth Gunther. Other than my own father and then Malcolm X, no other human being has had as much of an impact on my way of thinking and loving Afrikan people as Dr. Gunther. Sitting in his Afrikan American History classes, his impact on me was immediate and extensive (as well as long-reaching). Listening to his lectures reminded me of listening to Public Enemy albums, where so much information was rapid-fired to you in about an hour. Your mind was literally opened up wide and "information" was poured in.

Dr. Gunther's ability to reach me and many of my comrades was life-changing. I cannot nor attempt to speak for them, but my perspective on life changed. I had always had a love and appreciation for information. To come across a teacher that shared that same love and appreciation was refreshing and phenomenal. He inspired me to seek knowledge wherever it could be found (i.e. my very trip to the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York was inspired by a lecture Dr. Gunther gave, where he mentioned the famed repository several times.)

There are certain things that, when one sits at the feet of Dr. Gunther, are crystal clear. His passion is immediately obvious. His vast breadth of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is evident. And his love and compassion for Afrikan people (in specific) is unmistakable. And just like Dr. Ben, Dr. Gunther has many detractors and cynics as well. There are some people that are just intimidated by one who knows and understands so much. Detractors and cynics notwithstanding, his commitment cannot be questioned. His dedication cannot be doubted. (Well, it actually can, but that's not the point.)

Doc, I love you very much for what you have meant to me and so many others. I appreciate your shining example, an example that has been so very important for so many people the world over. And I have the level of love and admiration for Afrikan people and our story because of giants like you. As you continue to travel and inspire, I will forever acknowledge you as my friend, my mentor.

Alafia Ndugu,

Now Get Up.