On January 3, 2026, Dr. Patrick Kolima Pieh, a cherished Ann Arbor, Michigan resident, passed away. He passed away quietly at the age of 81, leaving a lasting legacy influenced by his incredible trip from Sierra Leone to the United States.
On January 1, 1945, he was born in Taiama, Sierra Leone, to Rev. Peter P. and Nancy N. Pieh. Patrick was descended directly from Sengbeh Pieh, also known as Cinqué, the valiant commander of the Amistad uprising in 1839, a crucial moment in the struggle against slavery that has inspired generations to come.
Before going to college in the US and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, Patrick lived in Taiama for the most of his childhood. He continued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a Master of Arts in History and then a Doctor of Education in Curriculum Development and Instruction.
Patrick dedicated his career to higher education, teaching and holding administrative positions at a number of esteemed establishments. Numerous students and colleagues were touched by his work in curriculum creation and instruction at Wayne County Community College, Eastern Michigan University, Metropolitan State University, and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.
His personal tale gained historical importance from his Cinqué ancestry, which linked him to a lineage of fortitude and leadership in the face of hardship. His worldview was probably shaped by this ancestral connection, which instilled in him a feeling of purpose and advocacy for justice that pervaded his academic pursuits.
Although a large portion of Patrick’s public influence was shaped by his work and background, he handled life with a gentle humility that won over others around him. His way of life struck a balance between his commitment to his career and introspection, and he found satisfaction in learning new things and mentoring others. Through his deliberate involvement and unwavering dedication to education, he added to the community’s cultural richness in the calm yet intellectually challenging environment of Ann Arbor.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., there will be a visitation at Grace Community United Methodist Church, located at 15888 Archdale Street in Detroit. At 11:00 a.m., there will be a funeral ceremony. Those impacted by his historical legacy and intellectual interest in Ann Arbor and beyond will continue to find inspiration in his memory.
