By Jonathan Forney
Special to the AFRO
Native Washingtonian Rohulamin Quander died on Aug. 16 from natural causes. Born Dec. 4, 1943, he lived to be 81 years old.
Quander is remembered as a dedicated judge and the historian of the famed Quander family. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a Howard University alumni, an archivist and strong advocate for the community.
Quander is survived by his wife, Carmen Torruella-Quander, and their three children, Iliana, Rohulamin II and Fatima. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Egypt Quander Crenshaw and three siblings, Joherra Harris, John Quander and Ricardo Quander.
Regarded as a human encyclopedia, Quander traced his own family lineage back to Ghana and Barbados. He was revered for tracing the histories of others in the community.
His eldest daughter, Iliana, says the most amazing thing about him was “his ability to be in a room full of people and talk about their lineages.” He was able to do this while still staying committed to his family.
Quander founded the League of Enslaved Mount Vernon Descendents to help honor and preserve the stories of both formerly enslaved and free Black people on the Mount Vernon Plantation, which included the Quander family.
Quander also wrote several books about historic figures, including a biography of his ancestor Nellie Quander, a founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, titled “Nellie Quander, An Alpha Kappa Alpha Pearl: The Story of the Woman Who Saved an International Organization.”
As a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for 60 years, Quander’s impact was far-reaching. His family has asked for donations to go to Omega Men for Homeless Men, Alpha Omega Chapter in lieu of flowers—a program Quander was actively involved in later in his life.
Quander’s advocacy efforts included consulting work and historical preservation. He was also known for supporting seniors in the community.
“If you were alone and didn’t have anybody else, you were probably going to get a call or a visit from him,” Iliana Quander said.
Quander’s wake will be held Sept. 6 at Saint Augustine Catholic Church (2101 15th St., N.W. in Washington, D.C.) from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. memorial from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The ceremonies will be followed by a funeral mass service at 12 p.m. Interment for Quander will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, located at 1300 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Washington, D.C.