Raphael Allen (1958-2018) was a proud native of Oakland, CA, as well as a graduate of Saint Mary’s College High School in Albany, CA (1976) and Stanford University with a B.A. in Sociology (1990). His passion for knowledge never ceased, as he continued his independent graduate-level research in the areas of Women’s Studies, Ethnic Studies, and much more, including formal studies at Rutgers University (1995-1998). He found a challenge and reward in his ultimate career with the National Park Service as Interpretive Park Ranger focused on program development and community outreach. His areas of focus were the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond, CA and more recently the Port Chicago National Memorial, located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA.

Before and during his time at the NPS, Raphael also worked as a book editor with the tag “The Book Doctor.” For many years, he served as a developmental editor at the academic presses of both Duke University and the University of Michigan. Raphael was a tireless researcher, educator, and story-teller, both personally and professionally. He was especially proud of his involvement in developing programming and strategies for Outdoor Afro, a unique program focused on introducing African Americans all across America to the nature and culture which surrounds us. Please consider advancing Raphael’s efforts with this great organization by making a contribution in his name to Outdoor Afro (www.outdoorafro.org). The other causes and accomplishments which Raphael was personally involved in are too numerous to list here. He will be missed dearly.

Raphael is survived by his wife Lauren Ekman, his sisters Brenda and Rose, his brother Cyril, many, many friends...and five cats.

-- by Cyril P. Allen, Raphael's brother

Raphael arrived at Stanford in the Fall of 1976, and after many pursuits and adventures, he earned his B.A. in Sociology (May 1990). From October 1986 to December 1987, Raphael served as a Student-Instructor, and was supervised by Prof. John Winkler, Dept. of Classics (deceased). He developed a proposal for a new undergraduate course (“The Social Construction of Masculinity,” a 200-level, lower-division seminar), bringing feminist perspectives to the study of men’s lives. He then co-taught this course with three other students in the following Spring quarter, March–June of 1987. Raphael was also a member of Stanford's Nu Sigma chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity (Spring 1979).