Dear Howard University Community,

I regret to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Ralph C. Gomes, professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Dr. Gomes dedicated 49 years to the Department of Sociology and Criminology, where he remained active until his passing. A tireless champion for the department, Dr. Gomes was always seeking opportunities to enhance its academic standing and was a trailblazer in curriculum development.  In 1974, he wrote the proposal and successfully advocated for the establishment of what remains the only Ph.D. program in sociology at an HBCU.   Dr. Gomes willingly assumed significant leadership roles in the department, serving notably as the director of the Graduate Program for several years (1974-1984 and 1999-2007) and in other positions throughout the years, including acting chair; associate chair; chair of the Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure Committee; and director of the Undergraduate Program.  

A proud native of British Guyana, Dr. Gomes received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Inter-American University - San German, Puerto Rico, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, and Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University under the direction of Dr. Muzafar Sherif, a renowned and pioneering social psychologist. Dr. Gomes began his career in 1971 at Howard University as a lecturer in what was then the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.  He quickly moved on to become an assistant professor in 1973, perfecting his unique brand of research, teaching, and activism over the next several years, and was promoted to full professor in the department. An activist scholar, Dr. Gomes was also involved with the local community and with national and international issues pertaining to Black liberation.

Dr. Gomes leaves behind an impressive legacy of scholarship and mentorship. With his late wife, Dr. Linda Faye Williams, he co-authored the book “From Exclusion to Inclusion: The Long Struggle for African American Political Power,” and published more than 15 book chapters and a large number of refereed journal articles. While Dr. Gomes was proud of his scholarship, he was most delighted by his work as a mentor.  He oversaw and served on the master’s thesis or dissertation committee of more than 100 students within the Department of Sociology and Criminology and other campus departments. He is directly responsible for developing many current African American sociologists, who are operating as change agents, administrators, public servants, and scholars around the country, as well throughout countries in the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and South America.  Dr. Gomes was also generous with department colleagues, advising and mentoring those rising through the ranks and freely engaging in discussions of all kinds.

In addition to his commitment to academia, Dr. Gomes was an experienced athlete and an avid art collector. In 1960, he represented his native country of Guyana as a middle-distance runner in the Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.  Later in his life, he nurtured a love of art and accumulated a vast collection of Black memorabilia.

Arrangements for a memorial service for Dr. Gomes are being planned by his family and will be announced to the University community once scheduled. The Department of Sociology and Criminology will also conduct a ceremony in honor of Dr. Gomes at a time to be scheduled in the future.  Please keep the Gomes Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer