Forrest Truman Akers

Quotes From the Library of the Professor “Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society.” –El Hajj Malik El Shabazz “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” –W.E.B. Du Bois “Truth is a continuous examination, and Fact... always supersedes belief.” –Yosef A.A. Ben-Jochannan “Dipped in chocolate, bronzed in elegance, enameled with grace, toasted with beauty. My Lord, she’s a black woman.” –Yosef A.A. Ben-Jochannan Obituary Forrest Truman Akers (Abdul Khaliq Wadud/Trudy/Tutty) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 25, 1950 to Mary I. Torrence and the late John Ellis. He is preceded in death by his stepfather, William Torrence; sister, Saunda Ellis and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson. Educated in the Indianapolis Public School System, Khaliq graduated from Shortridge High School 1967, received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Political Science and Afrikan Art, and went on to complete his Master’s in Business Administration from Butler University with a focus on accounting, finance and international business. Khaliq worked at the United States Postal Service for over 25 years and functioned as a mail handler, union steward and finally as an accountant before his retirement in 2005. He served in the Military as a communication specialist in the United States Force. Khaliq was an avid reader, and loved playing chess, listening to Afrikan improvisational music (jazz). He also enjoyed bike riding, basketball and billiards. As an Afrikan Nationalist, he was also known in the community as the “Professor” due to his extensive knowledge of Afrikan History, politics and art; if you asked him a question on a topic…get ready for a mini lecturette because he loved sharing information and challenging people to think! Aside from the saying, “by any means necessary,” one of his favorite quotes by El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was: “Of all of our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research.” Highly respected for his wisdom, perspective and input, he was a member of “We the People”, a study group whose membership comprise part of our extended family here in Richmond for over 23 years. He was also a founding member of the Alkebulan Society, For the People and the Richmond Kwanzaa Kollective, organizations dedicated to offering a platform for educating and maintaining African heritage and history. He leaves to mourn wife, Florence Naima Wares-Akers, daughter, Kito Nzingha; mother Mrs. Mary I. Torrence; sisters, Karen L. Akers, Theressa Wright (Al), Dora Johnson, Felecia Howells, Audrey Taylor (John), Carol Torrence (Johnnie), and Lee Ann Fornley (Gil); brothers, Calvin Torrence and Carl Torrence; and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Tributes

Forrest Truman Akers

February 25, 1950 - November 30, 2015