Rohulamin Quander, Retired Judge and Family Historian, Dies at 81

August 27, 2025

Rohulamin Quander, a retired judge, family historian, and 60-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. , died on August 16 at age 81 due to natural causes. A native Washingtonian, Quander was nationally recognized for documenting his family's history dating back to the 1670s, including ancestors who were enslaved at Mount Vernon under George Washington.

Who is affected

Quander's wife of 48 years, Carmen Torruella-Quander
The Quander family whose history he documented
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he was a 60-year member
The League of Enslaved Mount Vernon Descendants, which he founded
The Association for the Study of American Life and History (ASLAH), where he was a life member
Mount Vernon, where he served as an advisor
The broader African American community in Washington D.C. and those interested in African American genealogy

What action is being taken

A celebration of Quander's life is being planned for September 6 at St. Augustine Catholic Church
The Association for the Study of American Life and History (ASLAH) is planning to honor Quander at their next Black History Month luncheon on February 28, 2026

Why it matters

Quander's work preserved crucial African American history, documenting his family's legacy from enslavement at Mount Vernon through the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. As founder of the Quander Historical and Educational Society and the League of Enslaved Mount Vernon Descendants, he created institutions dedicated to preserving and sharing African American stories. His research and publications, including multiple books about his family's 350-year history, provide educational resources about the African American experience. Quander's integration of Sacred Heart School in 1950 as one of four Black children also represents an important chapter in the civil rights movement.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer