In Memoriam: Kwame Akonor, PhD, Associate Professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
The Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey has announced the death of Dr. Kwame Akonor, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs. An expert in African politics and critical race theory he also served as the director of the Africana Studies Program of the University. Dr. Akonor was the founder of the African Development Institute, a New York based think tank.
A published writer and author of African politics and studies, Akonor was distinguished in his field of study and a recipient of outstanding teaching awards in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University. He authored two books: African Economic Institutions and Africa and IMF Conditionality. He also published UN Peacekeeping in Africa: a Critical Examination and Recommendations for Improvement, a study in International Relations and Law. In addition he had several articles to his credit.
As Dr. Kofi Boateng an African community staple in New York City and beyond writes about his passing, “Dr. Kwame Akonor was known by all in New York who are dedicated to causa Africana. If it involves involves African culture, politics, or economics, he was there and ready to contribute. He would listen and argue his point, but not beat you up with his titles of professorship and authorship. We miss him. African culture, politics, and economics still need honest good minds around them. Go in peace but leave behind your wisdom and scholarship.”
Kwame was an avatar in African Studies: he would never dress western, as so many of us knew him. He embodied and literally wore his Africanity on his sleeves but with humility and scholarship. He was never loud, but reasonably logical. As a co-host with Kofi Ayim, editor of Amandla at a weekly Internet radio program “Anything Africa” he showed a pleasant sense of erudition and expertise. He would put his guests at ease with his professionalism and understanding of the issues at stake.
Dr. Akonor was an Akwamu royal, and bore a royal demeanor, but not the arrogance that goes with it. He had a pleasant wit and a sharp sense of detail that only described an accomplished academic and teacher.
He left behind a wife and two children.
Information gathered by Amandla indicates that internment has been scheduled for April 17, 2021. The service would be restricted to about 40 guests in accordance with COVID-19 protocols at a funeral home in Maplewood, NJ.