Historical Figure
Desmond Tutu
1931–2021
South African bishop and anti-apartheid activist (1931–2021)
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Biography
Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996, in both cases being the first Black African to hold the position. Theologically, he sought to fuse ideas from Black theology with African theology.
In Their Own Words (5)
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
As quoted in "The Words of Desmond Tutu" (1984) , 1984
Freedom and liberty lose out by default because good people are not vigilant.
Hope and Suffering: Sermons and Speeches (1984) , 1984
I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.
As quoted in The Christian Science Monitor (20 December 1984) , 1984
Be nice to the whites, they need you to rediscover their humanity.
As quoted in New York Times (19 October 1984) , 1984
For goodness sake, will they hear, will white people hear what we are trying to say? Please, all we are asking you to do is to recognize that we are humans, too.
As quoted in The New York Times (3 January 1985) , 1985
Timeline
The story of Desmond Tutu, told in moments.
Ordained as an Anglican priest. Moves to London in 1962 to study theology at King's College. Returns to South Africa in 1966 and rises through the church while apartheid intensifies around him.
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent opposition to apartheid. The South African government is furious. He uses the global platform to call for economic sanctions: "Be nice to the whites. They need you to rediscover their own humanity."
Becomes Archbishop of Cape Town, the first Black person to hold the highest position in southern Africa's Anglican Church. He uses the pulpit to organize and protect anti-apartheid activists.
Mandela appoints him chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For two years, Tutu listens to testimony from both victims and perpetrators of apartheid violence. He weeps openly during sessions. The commission hears over 21,000 statements.
Dies in Cape Town on Boxing Day at 90. Per his wishes, he is aquamated, not cremated, and his remains are interred behind the pulpit of St George's Cathedral.
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