Ivan van Sertima
(January 26th, 1935 ~ May 25th, 2009)
I'm not gonna lie. I first heard of Dr. Ivan van Sertima from Nas' latest record, prompting me to quickly Google his name and read about his research, literary accomplishments and overall intellectual prowess. What a mind. And what a life. Rest in power!
I used to worship a certain Queens police murderer/
'Til I read the words of Ivan van Sertima/
He inserted something in me that made me feel worthier/
Now I spit revolution, I'm his hood interpreter/
- Nas; "We're Not Alone"
