Dr. Afrikadzata Deku, 74, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2024 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Afrikadzata was born on December 13, 1949 in his father’s village in Kadjebi, Ghana. He was one of 24 children. Afrikadzata was a devoted husband to Mrs. Mary Ann Washington Deku.

Afrikadzata attended boarding school in Ghana. He received a BA degree with honors from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana in 1977. Afrikadzata went on to earn three master’s degrees and two Ph.Ds. He studied International Relations, Translation in French and English, Administration and Diplomacy, and African and pan-African Studies.

Dr. Deku was a professor at several colleges and universities to include Wofford, Converse, Clark Atlanta and Morris Brown. He authored poems, novels, plays, papers and articles. Afrikadzata was also the founder of the World African Cultural Institute (WACI) which organized the first Kwanza in Spartanburg County in 1988 held at Mt Moriah Baptist Church.

Afrikadzata leaves to cherish fond and loving memories: his wife, Mary Ann of 35 years; his son of Paris, France; a daughter of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter of Ghana, West Africa; a devoted niece Chasity (Elder Willie) Hagler; numerous grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.

The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:00 noon - 12:45 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations payable to: St. Paul AME Church, 1787 Old Number Six Hwy.,Cameron, SC.