Honoring Our Elders

Abstract

As editors of Transforming Anthropology (TA), it is our pleasure to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA) by recognizing the writings and teachings of Black anthropologists who have contributed to the journal over the years. In addition to the regular research articles and book reviews included in this issue, the TA editorial team has organized a special tribute to honor our elders. We begin with an address by the new ABA President, Rich e Barnes, and then honor the recent passing of one of ABA’s founding members, anthropologist Ira E. Harrison (1933–2020), with two tribute essays. Following these essays, we include a special commentary section in celebration of ABA’s fiftieth anniversary that curates five groundbreaking essays previously published in TA by our ABA elders. To show our gratitude for and impact of these important works, a number of Black anthropologists discuss how each article matters to them. Although we are unable to re-publish the original articles in this issue, we ask that you download, read, and re-read the original essays (links included below). The five elders whose work we highlight here have made it possible for TA and the ABA to exist.