John Henrik Clarke Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Henrik Clarke.

John Henrik Clarke (1915-1998) was a prominent African-American historian, educator, and activist. He devoted his life to researching and teaching African history, challenging prevailing Eurocentric narratives, and advocating for African empowerment. Clarke taught at various institutions, including Hunter College and Cornell University, lectured internationally, and published numerous works on black history. He played a significant role in the development of African-American Studies and was a mentor to many young scholars. Clarke's lifelong dedication to African history and culture made him a respected figure who tirelessly worked to reclaim and popularize the rich heritage of Africa.

A people's relationship to their heritage is the same as the

A people's relationship to their heritage is the same as the relationship of a child to its mother.

John Henrik Clarke

Religion is the organization of spirituality into something

Religion is the organization of spirituality into something that became the hand maiden of conquerors. Nearly all religions were brought to people and imposed on people by conquerors, and used as the framework to control their minds.

John Henrik Clarke

A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his

A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his audience's attention, then he can teach his lesson.

John Henrik Clarke

My main point here is that if you are the child of God and G

My main point here is that if you are the child of God and God is a part of you, the in your imagination God suppose to look like you. And when you accept a picture of the deity assigned to you by another people, you become the spiritual prisoners of that other people.

John Henrik Clarke

Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people that the

Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people that they oppress, because once you are truly educated, you will not ask for power. You will take it.

John Henrik Clarke

I saw no African people in the printed and illustrated Sunda

I saw no African people in the printed and illustrated Sunday school lessons. I began to suspect at this early age that someone had distorted the image of my people. My long search for the true history of African people the world over began.

John Henrik Clarke