John Henrik Clarke was an influential African American historian, educator, and writer, known for his work in African and African American history. Born on January 1, 1915, in Union Springs, Alabama, he dedicated his life to promoting the study of African heritage and culture. Clarke was a founding member of the African Heritage Studies Association and contributed significantly to the Black Studies movement in the United States. Throughout his career, Clarke authored numerous books and articles, emphasizing the importance of understanding African history in the context of global history. He was also a prominent figure in the Pan-Africanism movement, advocating for the unity and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide. Clarke passed away on July 16, 1998, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of history and education.