Before there was a Black Americana Studies major at Western Michigan University, Ben Wilson was already teaching a number of classes that would become part it. (The program is now known as African-American and African Studies.)
For WMU alumnus Jamon Jordan, Wilson was more than a voice at the front of a classroom. His teacher, supervisor, and advisor would ultimately become a lifelong friend.
Wilson died last month. Friends, family and colleague will remember his life at a memorial service on Saturday, at the Galilee Baptist Church in Kalamazoo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jordan describes Wilson's mentorship in an interview with WMUK's Brian O'Keefe.