Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Makes Her Transition to the Realm of Ancestor/Angel

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

There is a great deal of sorrow among my Lincoln University classmates and me, as we allow the passing of Dr. Niara Sudarkasa sink in.   The entire week, since learning of her demise, has been filled with emails between those of us who knew, loved and respected her - more than 200 of us, including Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Lincoln Lions and Lionesses.  

We  are in a minor collective state of shock - and let me say that we all feel this very personally.  Niara Sudarkasa was very much loved and respected.

Dr. Sudarkasa definitely was a history maker and trend setter at Lincoln.  When it was announced  in 1986 that she would be the 11th President of Lincoln, and the first woman to hold that position, NYC Lincoln U Alumni  Chapter, as well as New York's Activist community, turned out to  give her a royal send off  celebration at City College.  We were so proud of her and elated that there would be some one in charge, at last, who would return Lincoln  University to the status of quality and excellence we had enjoyed for over a century.  And she did that and then some.

I admit that I had never heard of Dr. Sudarkasa prior to her appointment as President; but quickly became acquainted with her during the years of her tenure.   I was affiliated with an organization called OUR CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION, that sponsored free Black College Tours for New York City Youth.  Sam Brown,  OCF Founder/Ceo,  in conjunction with Dr. Tic Coleman, and Dr. Sudarkasa, made sure  our youth would become acquainted with their opportunities at Lincoln.  She always took personal time to meet with the students and answer their question and be part of the tour.  As a result, several youth from the OCF  attended and graduated from Lincoln. 

The wonderful thing about her was that she had a heart and a vision for Lincoln University, and she executed it with quality and diligence, despite the detractors who actively tried to undermine her efforts. She was grace under fire.  

Former Ghanaian President and First Lady Jerry and Nana Rawlings 

I was also in awe when she actually presented Honorary Dual Doctorates to Ghanaian President and First Lady, Jerry and Nana Rawlings; and to Namibian President, Sam Nujoma, as well as Rosa Parks.  She reopened and maintained the close ties Lincoln had always enjoyed with Africa and their distinguished Alumni.

Likewise, when she upgraded the buildings, increased the student enrollment, and the quality of life on campus.

As I stated earlier, we are in a state of shock at  her transition, and are planning to do a memorial service in her honor during our Homecoming in the fall. 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

June 4 at 5:49 PM ·

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated mourns the loss of Honorary Member Niara Sudarkasa who transitioned on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the age of 80. Soror Sudarkasa was an accomplished educator and anthropologist who served as the first female president of Lincoln University, the country’s first black college. She is also credited as the first African American woman to teach at Columbia University and the first African American woman to be appointed assistant professor of anthropology at New York University. Soror Sudarkasa was inducted into honorary membership during the Diamond Jubilee Convention held in San Francisco in July 1988. We extend sincere condolences to the many friends and family of our beloved soror.

Interview with Dr. Niara Sudarkasa On History Makers

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/niara-sudarkasa-40

With Soror Dr. Dorothy I. Height

Messages from Lincoln U Classmates:

Hey Joe,

By now you probably heard that Dr. Sudarkasa passed away late last week, in her native Fort Lauderdale. Charisse has asked LU if they plan to issue a condolences letter, for example. My contacts at Black Professionals in International Affairs have done that.

Niara's son Michael is handling funeral and other arrangement. He and two of his children are in from South Africa. I think Michael will post schedule of events for tomorrow, Thursday and Friday on Facebook. 

Carol Black may also have info. I imagine the Deltas will hold an Omega Service this week?

Regards,

Leroy

SAM ANDERSON Sad to lose another Sister of the Black Academy. Sister Niara— Presente 🏾‼️ Sent from Samz iPhone  June 5, 2019  Sam Anderson '66 Joe, I'm sorry to hear this. Dr Sudarkasa brought so much energy to Lincoln along with a superb intellect  that she acquired the rabble name-'Momma Doc.' She was our first truly Afrocentric President. We have lost another giant. Her legacy is carried on by her Harvard Law trained son who has settled in South Africa. Sorrowfully, Bhemor '66  Jun 5, 2019, 11:37 AM (5 days ago) Just learned of the passing of Dr. Niara Sudarkasa, the first woman to become president of Lincoln University.  I was blessed to enjoy a great relationship with this distinguished scholar, educator, Africanist, anthropologist and Soror.  Prayers going up to her family... Carol Black '67  May 31, 2019 I wrote this about her in 2011:  I am so proud to be a Delta and to have such wonderful people as the great Dr. Niara Sudarkasa as a member – Soror Sudarkasa made history by becoming the first woman president of Lincoln University, America’s oldest historically Black college (and my Alma Mater). Prior to he appointment at Lincoln, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive tenure at the University of Michigan.   Gloria Dulan-Wilson '67  Our Condolences to Michael Sudarkasa and the entire family - our prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through this period of transition.  There are so many wonderful memories to treasure.  May the comfort you.  And know that we, the Lincoln University Family very much treasure you all.   Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK  Gloria