Ivan van Sertima was born on January 26, 1935 in British Guiana, now known as Guyana. Growing up in South America, he developed a keen interest in history and literature from a young age. After completing his primary education, he made the decision to pursue further studies in the field of African civilizations.
Van Sertima moved to London to attend the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, where he focused on creative writing and African languages and literature. It was during this time that he began to delve deeper into the rich history of African civilizations and their contributions to world history.
After completing his studies in London, van Sertima decided to pursue a career in journalism. He honed his storytelling skills and gained valuable experience working as a journalist, bringing attention to important issues that often went unnoticed in mainstream media.
His passion for African civilizations and history never wavered, and he eventually made the decision to further his education by attending graduate school at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA.
Van Sertima's academic career soared to new heights when he published his most famous work, They Came Before Columbus, in 1976. This groundbreaking book presented an alternate theory on the origins of the Mexican Olmec people, challenging conventional historical narratives.
Throughout his career, van Sertima continued to challenge mainstream perspectives on African history and civilization. He founded, published, and edited the Journal of African Civilizations, providing a platform for scholars to explore the rich and diverse history of Africa.
Van Sertima's personal life was marked by love and family. With his first wife, Maria Nagy, he adopted two sons, forming a strong bond that would last a lifetime. After Maria's passing, he found love again and married Jacqueline Patten, gaining two stepdaughters in the process.
As a teacher in the Africana Studies Department at Rutgers University, van Sertima inspired countless students to explore the untold stories of African civilizations. His legacy lives on through his work, challenging traditional narratives and shedding light on the rich heritage of Africa.
Van Sertima's contributions to the field of Africana Studies are immeasurable, and his impact continues to be felt in academic circles around the world. His dedication to uncovering hidden histories and amplifying marginalized voices has left an indelible mark on the world of academia.
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