The Crusader Newspaper Group

Family and Friends Celebrate the Life of Dr. Anderson Thompson

A memorial service for renowned educator, social activist and international scholar, Dr. Anderson Thompson, will take place Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago, Illinois. The Celebration of Life for Dr. Thompson will begin at noon.

Dr. Thompson was a consummate, unselfish contributor to efforts to sustain an honest, authentic African narrative. His sensitive social perception allowed him to identify causes of oppression that have altered Africans in the Americas and other parts of the world in which white racism is culturally dominate. All of his teachings were dedicated to the advancement of the strength of the African identity.

Born June 22, 1932, Thompson got a strong sense of his identity from the Bronzeville community, where he lived most of his life. He attended Frances E. Willard Elementary School and DuSable High School and after college, he returned to teach at both schools. He started his post secondary education at Wilson Junior College and received his bachelor of education at Chicago Teachers College. He obtained a master of education from Loyola University and received his Ph.D. from Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Thompson was acting principal at Forestville High School from 1963 – 1967. He started teaching at Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for Inner City Studies in 1966 and remained until his retirement in 2011.

Thompson was president of the Association of African Historians, a member of the International Board of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations and a member of the Kemetic Institute. He lectured extensively throughout the world on African history and culture and was a much sought after consultant on Middle Eastern affairs. He traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil. Each summer, he conducted tours in the Diaspora specifically for people searching for in-depth knowledge about African history and culture. He considered the tours not only an educational experience, but a spiritual one as well.

Thompson and his wife Muriel (nee) Thigpin had five children, James Thompson (Dee), Jeanie Thompson Miller (Paul), Joel Thompson, Jerold Thompson and Jayi Thompson (Denise). He was living with his eldest son, James, in Flossmoor, Illinois, when he died of natural causes.

A group of community members who represent some of the organizations Dr. Thompson founded over a span of 50 years and family members are hosting his celebration of life service.

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