Honoring Professor Mbye Cham
The Passing of Professor Mbye B. Cham
Following the official announcement by Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Howard University, the Department of African Studies is deeply saddened to share with colleagues,current students and alumni, friends, allies, and partners worldwide the newsabout the passing of our colleague, friend, and brother Professor Mbye Cham. He passed away on August 28, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Professor Cham joined Howard University in1980 and climbed decisively the ladder of academic excellence through his exemplary teaching, research, publications and creative works in film,literature, and language, as well as through his capable leadership and selfless service to the Department of African Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences,the Graduate School, Howard University, the wider academic world, and the global community including, of course, the African continent. He was the founding Director of the Title VI Center for African Studies which has brought millions of dollars of funding to Howard and distinguishes it as one of the only ten US universities recognized as National Resource Centers for African Studies.
Professor Cham will be celebrated and missed by the thousands of people whose lives he touched and positively influenced across the world. We, the African Studies Community at Howard University, send our deepest condolences to the Cham family here in the United States, The Gambia, and Senegal. We reiterate to his beloved wife Mrs. Saba Cham, and to his cherished children Mrs. Soone A. Cham-Taylor, Mr. Sennai M.Cham, and Mr. Famara F. Cham (all Howard alumni) our heartfelt compassion and support in this time of sorrow.
The Department of African Studies is planning, in close collaboration with the Cham family and with the strong support of the Howard University leadership and community, a memorial to celebrate Professor Cham’s extraordinary life. The memorial will be held in the Armour J. Blackburn Ballroom on the Howard University campus on October 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
May Professor Cham’s soul rest in peace. Amen!
Mohamed S. Camara, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of African Studies
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