When Dr. Jelani Williams made his transition on Monday, July 8th, peacefully in his sleep the Sankofa Student Organization lost a trusted advisor and mentor. But Williams was more than that. As an esteemed professor at the University of Houston, he exemplified what it meant to be a true African scholar, teacher and leader.

Williams’ efforts in the classroom served to inspire students of all ethnic backgrounds to appreciate the importance of the African origins of history and humanity. Every semester his classes were filled to capacity. He worked tirelessly to create an educational environment where he awakened students’ consciousness and challenged them to embrace their African heritage and build for the future. He often devoted “personal” time to his students at their request in an effort to support and nurture their development as activist/scholars.
He inspired students to serve the African community through the study of African history and culture. Williams earned his Doctorate in Africana studies from Temple University. He was the co-founder of Wa-Set Academy and the Black Networking Organization, founder of Ta-Seti Historical Society, as well as headed the Pan African Cultural Educational Program, an organization dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to study abroad in Africa. He was also a member of the Black United Front, and a co-founder of BNO (Black Networking Organization). His numerous accomplishments are a testimony to his belief that scholars should be in service to their communities and not isolated in ivory towers oblivious to the plight of their people.
The Sankofa Student Organization which he founded, is asking the community to honor Williams’ memory by continuing his work in supporting the efforts that he devoted his life to. These efforts include the elevation of the African American Studies Program at the University of Houston to an accredited academic department like that of other prestigious institutions of higher learning such as Yale, Harvard, and Princeton amongst others that recognize African Studies as a legitimate discipline.
Williams died in Michigan after returning from a five-week safari in Gambia, Africa. Jelani, born in Marshall, Texas, was a Kappa and an active leader in the African-American community in Houston. He remained an ardent supporter of Houston Black community organizations such as Amandia Productions, Shape Community Center, and The Shrine of the Black Madonna, and many more.
His wife, daughter and sisters survive him. Funeral services were held on July 13 at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, 5317 Martin Luther King Blvd.