Scholar and National Educator Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu Recently Passed Away
Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Eva M. Doyle
This Columnist was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. He made his transition on April 21, 2025. Dr. Kunjufu was well known for his books and lectures on how to educate Black students successfully. I invited Dr. Kunjufu to Buffalo a number of times to speak to parents and educators on how to teach and motivate our students to learn. He also was invited by community and church groups for many years to come to Buffalo. Dr. Kunjufu was the founder and of the publishing company African American Images. He wrote over 40 books on education and history. His company released the following statement, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our founder Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. Keep our team in your thoughts and prayers.”
Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu was a renowned, writer, educator, publisher who dedi cated his career to addressing the ills affecting Black culture in the United States. In addition to writing over 40 books, Dr. Kunjufu also produced vid eos on African American History and Education for both students and teach ers. One of his most famous books is entitled: “Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys.” This was one of his films that I showed at the Frank E. Merriweather Library many years ago. I also showed his film,” From Pyr amids to Dungeons.” It is a film that includes little known history of Africa. I also showed this film and introduced many of his books to the audience.
Several weeks ago, I wrote an article in this column entitled “A Message from Educator and Scholar, Dr. Jawa nza Kunjufu. It was a message to edu cators on how to better educate stu dents in our school system. I raised the money to bring Dr. Kunjufu to Buffalo. He spoke to a packed audience at the Performing Arts Academy located on East Ferry Street. Dr. James Williams was the Superintendent of schools at the time. The audience included teachers, students, parents and com munity leaders. His lecture addressed all levels of education.
Dr. Kunjufu has conducted numerous workshops across the country. He is the author of such books as, Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys, Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education, Understanding Black Male Learning Styles, Developing Positive Self-Images and Discipline in Black Children, 200 Plus Educational Strategies to Teach, and Lessons from History for both Elementary and Secondary age students. These books and videos by Dr. Kunjufu are still relevant today, especially during this time of chaos, confusion, and the violence that we have seen in so many of our schools. There is a great deal of concern about what is going on in our schools today. The work of Dr. Kunjufu can help in many cases with solutions for some of these problems.
Dr. Kunjufu’s work is very impor tant, because he not only identifies the problems associated with learn ing, but he also provides several solu tions that would help to reduce the problems that we see in our schools. It would help our educators and parents to revisit the work of Dr. Kunjufu. The following are some of the solutions that Dr. Kunjufu has noted in his work.
A Sense of Mission. Schools must make a conscious decision to become effective schools. Acquisition of basic skills must take priority over anything else in the school.
Leadership. Effective schools must have the best leadership possible. Instructional leaders must be bold, creative, supportive, and dedicated to the mission of the school.
There must be high expectations for all students and staff. Teachers must believe that students can learn. No Excuses!
Schools must develop a positive learning environment at all times. Schools must allow time for creativity and innovation.
Effective schools must allow for more time on tasks. The more time in learning, the greater the learning that takes place.
Effective schools must have broad support from parents and the general community.
Hopefully, our schools will develop effective curriculums, workshops, mentoring, and opportunities for our educators and leaders to review the work of Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. The future of our students depends on it. I have included a photo showing Dr. Jawanza kunjufu speaking at the Performing Arts with this Columnist. My prayers go out to his family, close friends and the staff of African Ameri can Images. May he rest in Peace among the angels of Heaven.