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Dr. McIntyre: An Inspiration For All

Written and Photographed by Lamont Sparrow
Interview by Larcenia Cooper

HarlemLive regrets to announce the untimely death of Dr. McIntyre at approximately 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 15th. She died peacefully in her bed at home.

Read a note from HarlemLive advisor, Garland Thompson, who attended the funeral services.

This story was posted approximately a year ago.

Some may say that the generation gap is still there -- larger than life itself. But I believe, in my humble opinion, that the gap is starting to become a little bit smaller.

As soon as persons of the "older generation" begin to speak, we (of the "younger generation") suddenly expect to be bored to death or dragged into their vortex of "when I was your age..." stories. But thanks to people like Dr. Charshee Charlotte Lawerence-McIntyre that could all start to come to an end.

Upon entering HarlemLive's headquarters, I didn't know what to expect of her. As Dr. McIntyre sat down, I first noticed her tiny salt-and-peppered Afro with its braided tail trailing down her back. She also bore a remarkable resemblance to Lena Horne.

When the interview began, I had learned Dr. McIntyre was born in Andover, Massachusetts and raised in Boston, and now lives in New York City with her husband, Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre.

Interview with Dr. McIntyre

Listening to her voice and taking her picture, I began to realize she had a certain glow that emanated from her; a sort of positive vibe. Even though I was asked to only take photos of the interview, I was instantly drawn into her discussion on education.

So, I sat down and listened; absorbing every word.

After hearing so many accomplishments, my jaw dropped to the floor. Here was an intelligent woman who began with only a G.E.D. in hand achieving all these goals.

When she turned her attention towards me, I finally asked her about her opinion on education. She replied with a breathtaking smile and a silver tongue, " Teachers don't teach the students but teach the subject. If students are there, they are just stuck. And the only way you can learn is by doing."

Truer words have never been spoken.

As the interview sadly came to an end, she came over to me and gave me a kiss on both cheeks; thanking me for listening to her.

Now what can be said about a lady like that?

• Received Graduate Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.)
• entered Central State University [OH].
• transferred to Wesleyan University [CT], where she majored in African history and late graduated.
• at Stony Brooks [NY] , she earned a Masters in Philosophy, and another Masters and Ph.D in history.

CLASSES TAUGHT

• "Black Women in the U.S." at Rutgers, Newark Campus;
• "The Black Family" at City College [NY].

• "Criminalizing a Race: Free Black During Slavery",
• (with assistance from husband) "The Creative Process: A Study Guide to African-American Music".

We will miss you. Thank you for bringing such beauty and warmth into our lives.

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