Jacob Carruthers facts for kids

Jacob Hudson Carruthers, Jr. (born February 15, 1930, in Dallas, Texas – died January 4, 2004, in Chicago) was an important historian and teacher. He focused on African history and culture. He was also known by his traditional name, Mzee Jedi Shemsu Jehewty.

Early Life and School

Jacob Carruthers grew up in Texas. He went to Phyllis Wheatley High School in Houston, TX. After high school, he attended Samuel Huston College. He earned his first college degree (a B.A.) in 1950.

In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force. After serving, he went back to school. He earned a master's degree in government from Texas Southern University in 1958. Later, in 1966, he made history. He was the first African-American student to get a doctorate (a very advanced degree) in Political Studies from the University of Colorado.

From 1961 to 1964, Carruthers taught Political Science at Prairie View College in Texas. He then taught at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Moving to Chicago

After teaching in Kansas for two years (1966-1968), Carruthers moved to Chicago. He lived and worked there for the rest of his life. In 1968, he joined the Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University.

For 32 years, Carruthers taught history and education there. He helped create important college programs for students. His work helped start a new way of thinking. This way of thinking focused on African history and culture. It became known as the Chicago School of African-Centered Thought.

Meeting Cheikh Anta Diop

In 1975, Carruthers visited Cheikh Anta Diop in Senegal. Diop was a famous African scholar. Diop had just shown that ancient Egypt (called Kemet) had African origins.

During their meeting, Diop told Carruthers how important it was to study ancient Egypt. He also stressed the need to learn the ancient Egyptian languages, like hieroglyphics. This would allow scholars to read old texts directly.

After this meeting, Carruthers worked to build groups that would focus on African civilizations. He took Diop's advice and began learning the ancient Egyptian language, Mdw Ntr. He also encouraged others to learn it. This led to the start of several important study groups.

The Kemetic Institute and ASCAC

Carruthers became a key figure in studying African history. He worked with other scholars to create a way to study African history in a new light. Their goal was to use this knowledge to build new African-focused organizations.

In 1978, Carruthers and a team of researchers founded the Kemetic Institute. This group included A. Josef Ben Levi, Anderson Thompson, and Conrad Worrill. The Institute aimed to seriously research ancient African civilizations like Kush and Kemet. Carruthers was the first director. He wanted the Institute to be a source of knowledge for building other African-centered groups.

In February 1984, Carruthers helped start another important organization. He joined John Henrik Clark, Asa Grant Hilliard, Leonard Jeffries, Yosef Ben-Jochannan, and Maulana Karenga. They founded the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC). This happened at a conference in Los Angeles, California. Carruthers was chosen as the first president of ASCAC.

Family Life

Jacob Carruthers was married to Mama Ifé Carruthers. They had three sons: Jacob III, Darnell, and Christopher. They also had a daughter named Tawakalitu Jogunosimi.

Passing Away

Jacob Carruthers passed away on January 4, 2004. He was 73 years old. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Chicago.