Keith Dye, lecturer in the Department of history, believes education is a priority.

Dye was first influenced by historians at a young age, sparking his interest in the field.

“I’ve always wanted to teach, I’ve always felt there were lessons to be learned from history,” Dye said.

Although he first tried his hand at journalism —  he started his own newspaper — Dye developed a strong passion for history. Growing up in an era in which movements were taking place to work for the rights of African- American people, the history of whom is very personal for him, he said. “It shaped my life.”

Dye was born and raised in Detroit. He attended the University of Detroit Mercy and received a bachelor’s degree in communications. He went on to obtain his master’s degree in history and later attended the University of Toledo to acquire his doctorate.

Dye is currently writing a book based on the black manifesto. He believes his awareness of black consciousness is what sets him apart from other professors.

As a young man, Dye was selected to participate in an African naming ceremony in which he received his African name, Osei Bonkana, Osei meaning “maker of the great” and Bonkana meaning “fortunate”.

Dye is a strong believer in education and believes that young people must continue the drive for self determination, but it must be within their own understanding.  He tries to make his material relevant to his students.

“He keeps your attention by relating history to today’s world”, said current student, Magdelina Rosario, a give class standing and major.

Most of Dye’s students describe him as funny, passionate and, most of all, caring regarding the quality of education they receive.

Although Dye acknowledges the hardships of being a college student, he feels as though when it comes to education it is worth the struggle.

“Education is not a sacrifice, it’s an investment,” he said.