#LibraryNews - Loras College Library at Loras College

February 1, begins Black History Month or African American History Month in the United States. While this is a time to remember and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans to our shared history, we shall begin this month, remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South African, who recently died at the age of 90. Tutu was a powerful force in deconstructing apartheid, the South African system of racial discrimination, and as a result is an inspiration to peoples around the world.

Born in Klerksdorp in 1931, Desmond Tutu was the son of Althea, a domestic worker, and Zachariah, a teacher at a Methodist school. Desmond was baptized Methodist in his youth, but later his entire family joined the Anglican church.

After studying at Pretoria Bantu Normal College and earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Africa, Tutu followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher. This lasted for three years, until the Bantu Education Act, legislation that lowered the standards for Black students, went into effect and Tutu resigned in protest.

Because of his dedication to service, Tutu then turned to ministry. In 1961, he was ordained as an Anglican priest at St. Peter's Theological College. Tutu served in local churches before going to England for further study. There, he earned Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology at King's College.

Tutu returned to South Africa where he served as a lecturer. In addition, he traveled through Asia and Africa on behalf of the Theological Education Fund, administering scholarships for the World Council of Churches.

In 1975 Tutu was named the Anglican Dean of Johannesburg. The following year he was consecrated Bishop of Lesotho. Then, in 1978 he became the first Black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. Inspired by his childhood mentor, Reverend Trever Huddleston, a campaigner against apartheid, Tutu utilized his new position to establish the organization as a major force against apartheid.

The council established scholarships for Black youths, organized self-help programs in Black townships, hired lawyers to defend Black defendants under security laws, and supported families of those detained without trial. In 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

The legacy Desmond Tutu is a powerful one full of love, forgiveness, and peace. If you are interested in learning more about this phenomenal man, the Loras Library has a display on the third floor featuring books written by Desmond on his teachings, values, beliefs, and ideas: The Rainbow People of God : the Making of a Peaceful Revolution, No Future Without Forgiveness, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, God Has A Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time, Made for Goodness: and Why this Makes all the Difference, and The Words of Desmond Tutu. The young readers in your life can also learn about Tutu. He wrote many children's books which are available through interlibrary loan: Desmond and the Very Mean World, Let There Be Light, and God’s Dream.

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The Life and Legacy of Desmond Tutu by Calasandra Spray

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