Dr. Tatiana K. Benjamin

8/14/23

Hello everyone!

It’s hard to believe that we are already in August, harder still to believe another academic year is rolling around and our beloved Dr. Tatiana is no longer with us. It is hard to believe and yet here we are. On the 11th of this month we celebrated Tatiana’s first celestial birthday. May we all remember her with deep love.

Thank you to all of you who donated. There are not enough words to convey the appreciation of the family. Of the $11,400 that was raised $6,000 dollars was used for funeral and memorial expenses as well as travel expenses for various family members and loved ones to say one last goodbye. $4,000 dollars were used to secure housing and supplement necessities for Tatiana’s father. The remaining funds will be used to take Tatiana’s remains back to Jamaica and hold a memorial service there for her family.

Many of you have expressed a desire to still give and as a result we are passing the gofundme around once more. The fundraising goal is currently centered around Tatiana’s father Kenneth Manning and her niece Tatiana Manning. At Tatiana’s time of death, she was supporting both her father here in the states and niece in Jamaica.

Mr. Manning is currently experiencing health difficulties associated with cancer and scheduled to receive radiation therapy as part of his treatment. He requires further financial assistance as he undergoes treatment as well as securing stable housing in New York City. In addition, Tatiana’s niece affectionately known as “Little Tati” is need of financial assistance. Our beloved Tatiana assumed responsibility for her niece after she had lost both her mother and grandmother. While in Tatiana’s care “Little Tati” was moved to a temporary foster home that ended up being physically and emotionally abusive. Due to these circumstances, “Little Tati” has struggled securing safe housing and stability. Currently we are trying to secure funds to assist her in acquiring stable housing and reenroll in trade school.

If you can contribute, to this fund it would be greatly appreciated. On behalf of Tatiana’s family thank you.

-Angeley Crawford

It is with shock and deep and sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Tatiana K. Benjamin. Tatiana suddenly departed this world on December 19, 2022, leaving behind many loved ones to mourn her absence.

Scholar. Mentor. Friend. Daughter. Caretaker. Auntie. Unruly woman.

Tatiana embodied all of these titles with intellect and her signature laughter.

With roots in Jamaica, W.I. and New York City, she was the first to achieve a doctoral degree in her family. Dr. Benjamin was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at James Madison University (JMU). Throughout her life, she was a tireless advocate whose work centered the African Diaspora.

Seen as the spine of her family, her father and brothers have been overwhelmed since her untimely death. As a result, we welcome your financial support to help alleviate the burial and memorial costs associated with Tatiana's unexpected passing. In addition, your gifts will provide support for her surviving family, including a trust for Tatiana's niece “Baby Tati” living in Jamaica, W.I.

Dr. Tatiana K. Benjamin's family is preparing memorials in New York, Maryland and Virginia, which will give her loved ones, near and far, an opportunity to celebrate her life.

On behalf of her family and friends, we are deeply grateful for your prayers, words of comfort, and support during this time.

Rest in Power Dr. Tatiana K. Benjamin. May the ancestors greet you with unruly fanfare. ❤️