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IN MEMORIAM
DESMOND TUTU Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Honorary Chair of Shared Interest's Board of Advisors 
Original article: Burgess COMMENTARY Peter Burgess | ||
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Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Honorary Chair of Shared Interest's Board of Advisors
Ann M. McMikel We mourn yesterday’s loss of a giant and steward for humanity, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, whose heart went beyond borders to seek decency instead of revenge. His powerful voice for non-violence moved a country from struggle to liberation and began the path towards justice and equality for all people. Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, and native of a country whose legacy of racism was rooted in colonial rule, Archbishop Tutu gave a prophetic voice to the struggle to end apartheid peacefully and establish a just South Africa and multi-racial democracy. He was the first Black person appointed Anglican Dean of Johannesburg in 1975 and General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches in 1978. One month after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, he was named Archbishop of Cape Town – the highest position in the Anglican Church in South Africa and oversaw the introduction to female priests. He worked tirelessly within the church and its worldwide partners to articulate the anguish and aspirations of the oppressed and advanced national and international reconciliation. In 1995, President Mandela appointed him chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, tasked with investigating atrocities committed during apartheid and creating a national healing platform. We, at Shared Interest, were inspired when Archbishop Tutu told a gathering in 1995 at New York City's Riverside Church, 'The end of apartheid was part one of the struggle. Part two is the more difficult: To make the miracle endure…We asked you to disinvest…Now we say to you invest, make South Africa succeed – for the sake of the world.' Revered as the voice for the voiceless and a fearless freedom fighter, Archbishop Tutu often used his platform and his infectious sense of humor to bring people together to instill a sense of hope and speak out against oppression through his conscientious work in civil rights and social justice. 
Photos by Afrikanspot/Shared Interest 20th Anniversary Gala Archbishop Tutu was a major contributor to Shared Interest's work as a longstanding global ambassador who served as Honorary Chair of the Shared Interest Board of Advisors and as Co-Chair of Shared Interest’s Next Generation Campaign. Since our founding in 1994, Archbishop Tutu was an early champion of our racial and economic justice work and stood with Shared Interest in our efforts to move international investors and donors to combat inequality and discriminatory lending practices in Southern Africa. To date, Shared Interest has issued more than $30 million in guarantees that has unlocked $125 million in loans for Black-owned businesses and benefitted more than 2 million South Africans from disenfranchised communities. We were privileged to honor Archbishop Tutu at Shared Interest's 2014 gala with the lifetime of leadership for justice, reconciliation and peace award. We remember how he warmly gained guests' attention and lit up the room with his gentle humor and caring temperament. We will continue to honor his legacy by serving as a catalytic engine and model for moving Southern Africa’s own financial institutions to invest in the future of Black entrepreneurs and small and growing businesses that are essential for achieving the region’s inclusive and sustainable Covid-19 recovery. Affectionately, known as 'The Arch,' we celebrate his life and legacy, and we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Archbishop Tutu. A father of four, a beloved husband, and friend to many, we salute your tenacious and bold endeavors to create opportunities for the next generation of South Africans – and people in the global struggle for justice. As our friend and through your legacy of leadership, we will continue to move your work forward in the spirit of ubuntu and forging collaborations to build a more just and equal society. Ann M. McMikel Executive Director P.S. Stay tuned later this week for a tribute from our Founder Donna Katzin, Chair of the Board Tim Smith along with additional reflections from Shared Interest board members. Here is a clip from Archbishop Tutu at Shared Interest's 20th Anniversary Gala. To view the full video segment, click here. You can also view photos below from previous Shared Interest events featuring Archbishop Tutu and his inspiring quotes. Join the fight by helping us advance our racial and economic justice work! DONATE TODAY!
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