Tunde Folawiyo | Winnie Mandela: An Activist Icon

Whilst millions around the globe may continue to be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has made many contributions to African culture, as well. The activist from South Africa has over the years held several esteemed government positions, as well as played active roles in organizations such as Africa’s National Congress Women’s League and the National Executive Committee of the ANC. Tunde Folawiyo and many other citizens of Africa may regard the achievements of Winnie Mandela as great strides in the fight for social justice throughout the country of South Africa and beyond.

Born 26 September in the African village, eMbongweni Bizana in Pondoland – now the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – Winnie went on to acquire a college degree in social work in Johannesburg during a time when blacks faced educational restrictions due to apartheid. She later acquired a Bachelor’s of internal relations at a Witwatersrand university. As the former wife of Nelson Mandela for nearly four decades, Winnie continued to support her husband during the entirety of his 27-year imprisonment. She served as the face of the anti-apartheid movement during this time, proving popular amongst South African citizens and others. Whilst she and Mandela divorced in 1996, she frequently visited him during his prolonged illness. Their kinship was the source of much media speculation as she remained a close confident up until his passing.

Mandela faced many struggles during times of apartheid. After being tortured and subject to house arrest, she was then held within solitary confinement for one year before being banished to another town. After news of these injustices spread, Mandela garnered worldwide popularity. From organising local clinics to actively campaigning for equal rights, Winnie’s efforts to forge an impact on social change created a major stir, drawing worldwide attention to the conditions faced by blacks in South Africa. During 1985, she was awarded a Human Rights Award alongside fellow activists for their work throughout South Africa. Their culminated efforts continue to inspire millions throughout the globe currently experiencing a range of social injustices. As the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela remains ever present in the lives of many around the world, Tunde Folawiyo and others may recognize the significant impact of Winnie Mandela as well. Whilst her civil rights efforts were sometimes riddled with controversy, the positive influence forged by Winnie Mandela, an African icon, may withstand time.

Tunde Folawiyo | Mama Africa: The Impact of Miriam Makeba

Dubbed “Mama Africa” for her renowned contributions to the people and cultures of a continent, Miriam Makeba remains a highly influential figure even years after her passing. The South African civil rights advocate and singer paved the way for a new generation of African musicians, becoming the first African artist to popularize the African music genre around the globe in the 1960s. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the continent may regard Miriam Makeba for her unwavering spirit and immense talent.

Born in March 1932 in Johannesburg, Makeba’s mother was a healer-herbalist called a Swazi sangoma while her father was a Xhosa. She spent her first six months in jail as her mother was imprisoned for selling a homemade African beer. Later, as a young girl, Makeba began singing in a choir for a primary school in the city of Pretoria. She attended the school for nearly eight years.

Makeba’s professional singing career got its start during the 1950s. She became featured in a South African group called Manhattan Brothers. She left the group to record alongside an all-woman musical group called The Skylarks. The unique blend of traditional South African melodies and jazz became highly popular. Her single “Pata Pata”, recorded during 1957 and later released in the U.S. a decade later made her well known throughout the country of South Africa and beyond. This skyrocketed her career in which she would later record and tour with a variety of popular artists including Harry Belafonte, Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon.

Makeba’s activism further propelled her international fame. Her appearance in the anti-apartheid film titled Come Back, Africa created a great impression on viewers. The film was awarded the acclaimed Critics’ Award at Venice’s annual Film Festival, where Makeba was granted a visa to attend the film’s premiere. Later that year, the singer was given the leading female role for the Broadway-inspired musical King Kong in South Africa. As a popular advocate against South Africa’s era of apartheid, Makeba’s South African passport was revoked. During this time, a number of countries reached out to aid.

Belgium, Guinea and Ghana all issued international passports, welcoming her into their countries. Throughout her life, Makeba was an honorary citizen of ten countries, holding nine passports. Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout Africa may remember Makeba for her spirit, generosity and talent. For these, she will forever be cemented in the continent’s history as “Mama Africa”.

Tunde Folawiyo | The United Nations and the Impact of Kofi Annan

Throughout its history, the United Nations has seen various leaders of outstanding character come together to forge positive impact upon the world. Kofi Annan is one such figure whose contributions are forever cemented in African history. From his role in the United Nations to his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize, Annan continues to inspire new generations of African leaders. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may recognise his various accomplishments.

Kofi Annan comes from a family of traditional chiefs from Ghana’s Fante tribe. He was born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi’s Kofandros section, and as he grew up he became a student leader throughout his school years. He attended Cape Coast’s Mfantisipim School – a Methodist boarding school – from 1954 to 1957. It was here that he was taught the basic principle that “suffering anywhere concerns people everywhere”.

Upon Annan’s graduation in 1957, the Gold Coast became independent from Britain, becoming known instead as Ghana. Annan was granted a scholarship to begin study in the United States before departing for study in Geneva. Later, he returned to the US to study management at the famous MIT.

In 1958 Annan enrolled at Kumasi College of Science and Technology. He later became a recipient of the Ford Foundation grant, which enabled him to complete his undergraduate studies at St Paul, Minnesota’s Macalester College in 1961. He then completed an International Relations degree from Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International Studies in 1962, before eventually earning a Master of Science degree.

After finishing his formal education, Annan began his rise through the ranks of the United Nations, eventually becoming Secretary General, the top job. He held the role from 1997 to 2007 – a duration of two terms. During this time, Annan garnered the respect of citizens from all over the globe. He is recognised for his ability to maintain honesty and integrity when facing adversity. His stoicism and diplomacy have long served him well as a peacekeeper for the United Nations and other organisations such as the World Health Organisation.

In recognition of his outstanding work towards peace, Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. For this and countless other achievements, he remains one of Africa’s most respected figures. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world will continue to be inspired by the impact he has forged upon world peace.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Zik of Africa: Nnamdi Azikiwe

As one of the foremost figures of modern Nigerian nationalism, Chief Benjamin Azikiwe PC, more commonly referred to by the name Nnamdi Azikiwe, served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1963 to 1966. He had been the second Governor-General from 1960 to 1963, and became Nigeria’s first president later that same year. His presidency spanned Nigeria’s First Republic, and citizens like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may recall Nnamdi Azikiwe as one of the most influential figures in the history of the country.

Born on 16 November 1904, Azikiwe, commonly known as ‘The Zik of Africa’, hails from the Northern Nigeria’s Zungeru. He studied at Hope Waddell Training Institute and Lagos’s Methodist Boys’ HS before travelling to the United States, where he attended Washington DC’s Howard University, before graduating from Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University in 1930. Here he obtained a masters diploma in religion in 1932 before earning another masters in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. He was employed as an instructor for Lincoln University before his return to Nigeria.

After his time teaching for Lincoln, Azikiwe assumed the role of editor for the African Morning Post in November 1934. The newspaper, based in Ghana, served as a means for promoting his pro-African nationalist agenda. His writings delved deep into social issues as he questioned the colonial order that was present at the time.

After being charged with sedition following the publication of a controversial article, Azikiwe returned to Lagos in 1937 where he established the West African Pilot, a vehicle he used to further advocate for Nigerian nationalism. He then founded the Zik Group of Newspapers, responsible for producing multiple publications around the country. He later formed the first nationalist organisation in Nigeria.

Following much success in journalism, Azikiwe ventured into politics. After co-founding the popular NCNC alongside Herbert Macaulay during 1944, Azikiwe became the National Council’s secretary-general in 1946 before becoming elected to the Nigeria’s Legislative Council the next year. He led the Opposition to Obafemi Awolowo’s government in 1951 before embarking on his esteemed political career of the 1960s.

Azikiwe’s quest for social change defined his legacy, and he remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Nigeria. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the country may recognise Azikiwe as one of the nation’s most impactful leaders.

Tunde Folawiyo | A look at the career of WEB Du Bois

W. E. B Du Bois was an author, sociologist and historian who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equal rights for African Americans. As a history enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo is no doubt familiar with this man's life. Born in 1868 in Massachusetts, Du Bois was raised in a community where racism was not as commonplace as it was elsewhere.  However, as he grew up, he became more aware of the prevalence of this issue in other parts of the US.

He was a bright and talented young man, who demonstrated an aptitude for writing at a young age. During his high school years, he spent a considerable amount of time working as a correspondent for several New York publications. He then went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Fisk University, before moving on to Harvard; whilst studying there, he had the opportunity to collaborate with both Albert Bushnell Hard and William James.

Du Bois became the first African American to complete a PhD at Harvard; shortly after he graduated, he accepted a teaching position at Atlanta University. Whilst he was there, he carried out in-depth studies of the social conditions of African Americans, and in 1900, created an exhibit which depicted the achievements of African Americans since the Emancipation Proclamation, with particular focus given to their accomplishments in the areas of journalism, literature and industrial work.

In 1903, he wrote what would become his most famous work, entitled 'The Souls of Black Folks'. Two years after this was published, he was named as the leader of the Niagara Movement. This led to Du Bois gaining international acclaim, as he became an outspoken opponent of the economic and political system which had exploited so many African Americans.

He protested against racial discrimination in employment and education, Jim Crow laws and lynching, and was a strong proponent of Pan-Africanism. He also spent much of his time working with various Pan-African congresses who wished to free the colonies around Africa from European authorities.  In addition to this, he continued to work as a lecturer and public educator, and his teachings had a profound impact on the Civil rights Movement. DuBois passed away in 1963, the night before he was due to take part in a protest march in Washington. Those interested in history, like Tunde Folawiyo, may know that the Civil Rights Act, which was passed just one year after Du Bois' death, included many of the reforms which he himself had fought for during his lifetime.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Impact of Desmond Tutu on the Human Rights Movement

At the forefront of the human rights movement are a few key figures whose influence on today’s culture are immeasurable. Famed activists such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. forever impacted views of social injustices throughout the world, sparking a new era of thinking centered by equal rights for all. Citizens throughout Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others may continue to be inspired by the efforts of these brave men and women. Amongst the most notable of these figures is Desmond Tutu, famed for his involvement in opposing apartheid in South Africa.

Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in October of 1931, Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born into an era in which black youth was subject to segregation. Graduating with a high school diploma in 1950, he studied education during his college years, earning a teacher’s certificate in 1953. With this, he went on to acquire a bachelor’s from one of South Africa’s foremost learning institutions.

Fuelled by frustration stemming from the racism endured during the era of South African apartheid, Tutu enrolled in a theological college where he became ordained as a deacon during 1960 and later a priest during 1961. He then went on to acquire a master’s in theology in 1966. Appointed Anglican Dean in Johannesburg during 1975, Tutu rose to worldwide fame as his voice became a prominent presence in the fight for civil rights in South Africa, a fight joined by activists such as Nelson Mandela. His efforts were recognised throughout Africa as he was appointed a variety of esteemed positions before later being awarded the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Later holding various roles within South Africa’s church system, Tutu was named Cape Town’s Archbishop in 1986.

Through the tireless activism of Tutu and many others throughout South Africa, an end to apartheid was decreed in 1993. Nelson Mandela was elected the country’s president during 1994 where Tutu introduced him to the masses. A moment of triumph following years of struggle, this would go down in history as an immense victory for human rights.

Since his retirement from the public eye during the 1990s, Tutu remains an active advocate in the fight for social inequality. He is a member of The Elders, a network of seasoned leaders such as Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and others. His stories of bravery in the face of adversity may continue to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others people throughout the world.

Tunde Folawiyo | Wangari Maathai: Advocate of Africa

Amongst the country of Africa’s most influential figures is the late Wangari Maathai, a woman whose vast contributions to her country are forever cemented in African history. Born in Kenya, Wangari Maathai is credited for the founding of the Green Belt Movement, an organisation committed to promoting environmental conservation throughout Africa and beyond.

Citizens of Africa including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may continue to be inspired by the outstanding impact forged by Wangari Maathai throughout her years as one of the continent’s leading activists.

Born 1 April 1940 in Kenya’s Nyeri District, Wangari Maathai long exhibited a love for Africa. A member of Kenya’s most populous tribe, the Kikuyu, Maathai’s family travelled to the Rift Valley when she was a young girl. Years later, her close ties to the land would prove a strong motivation in her commitment to promoting conservation of the area’s natural landscape.

During 1960, Maathai received a scholarship that would render her able to study in the US. After receiving a master’s degree of biology from a respected university, University of Pittsburgh, Maathai later began study to acquire a doctorate from the University of Munich. Nearly a decade after her arrival in the US, she travelled back to Nairobi to become East Africa’s first woman to earn a Ph.D. She has undoubtedly served as a source of inspiration for Africa’s scholars including Tunde Folawiyo.

Throughout her successful highly successful academic career, Maathai was among the first women appointed to positions of seniority within the Nairobi University system. Amongst the causes she advocated for were equal benefits for the university’s women staff. Whilst campaigns such as these were successful, Maathai later exhibited a greater focus on environmental issues during the middle of the 1970s.

Concerned with Kenya’s poor social/economic conditions and environmental degradation, Maathai began implementing initiatives that would see more trees planted throughout the country. One such initiative was the establishment of the Green Belt movement, a now prominent environmental conservation organisation.

After the turn of the 1990s, Maathai began a campaign for restoring democracy in Kenya. From 2003 to 2005, she held roles as member of the country’s Parliament as well as Assistant Minister of the environment and the natural resources. Amongst Maathai’s most notable accomplishments is her receipt of 2004’s Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded for her outstanding contribution to democracy, peace and sustainable development, Maathai remains one of the most influential figures in conservation advocacy. Supporters of conservation efforts, such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may continue to be inspired by the legacy of one of the efforts’ greatest pioneers.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Famed Works of Novelist Chinua Achebe

The continent of Africa is home to a wide array of stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife and a range of vibrant cultures. Throughout the centuries, Africa has housed a number of inspirational figures who’ve collectively helped shape the state of the continent today. From respected political figures to famed artists and athletes of magnificent talent, these individuals are forever cemented in African history for their contributions to the advancement of Africa as a whole. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may find the literary works of novelist Chinua Achebe to be amongst the most significant today.

Born November 16, 1930, in the Nigerian town of Ogidi, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe received his education from University of Ibadan before being appointed director of external broadcasting at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held until 1966. During this time, Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart was published, becoming widely-acclaimed throughout the continent before later garnering international success. A thrilling accomplishment for the author, the book has over the years become a required read for millions of students throughout the globe.

With the 1960s came a period of brilliant creativity for Achebe. Some of his most celebrated works came during this time, with novels like No Longer at Ease, A Man of the People and Arrow of God amongst them. These works addressed a conflict between traditional African ways of life and new, colonial ways of thinking, a theme that was later explored in his Anthills of the Savannah.

The 1970s saw great success for Achebe. He published a variety of short stories, poetry collections and a children’s book throughout the decade, with his first book of essay’s released in 1975. Upon his return to Nigeria from the US, Achebe became employed as a research fellow before later becoming an English professor at University of Nigeria from 1976 to 81. During this time, Achebe served as a director for two Nigerian publishing companies, Nwankwo-Ifejika Ltd. and Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

After suffering a car accident that would render him paralyzed, Achebe moved to the US. He began teaching at Bard College where he would remain for 15 years. During 2009, Achebe he departed Bard to join Brown University’s faculty as a professor of African studies. Throughout his career, Achebe received many renowned awards and several honourary degrees from over 30 universities across the globe, demonstrating the vast cultural significance of his works. Citizens of Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and many other lovers of literature throughout the world may continue to be inspired Achebe’s life and legacy.

Tunde Folawiyo | The achievements of Desmond Tutu

Throughout the past four decades, Desmond Tutu has played a key role in ending the world's greatest injustices. Although he is now retired, he spent a large portion of his life working as an Anglican Archbishop in Cape Town. Those who are familiar with his work, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that Tutu has been involved in the fight against sexism, racism, poverty, tuberculosis and AIDs.

He first became a household name during the eighties, due to his anti-apartheid views. His efforts relating to ending this regime, and his work on other important issues, led to him winning the Sydney Peace Prize, the Pacem in Terris Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Ghandi Peace Prize and of course, the Nobel Peace Prize.

Early on in his career, Tutu established a very clear objective, which he has closely adhered to over the course of his life. This objective is to create a society which is just and democratic, with no divisions caused by race.

He contended that this goal could not be achieved without the following; the end of South Africa's forced deportation, the establishment of a common education system which is available to all, the eradication of South Africa's passport legislation, and equal civil rights for everyone.

He was born in South Africa in 1931, and received his primary and secondary school education in the local mission schools, where his father was a teacher. At the age of 30, he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Shortly after this, he moved to England, and it was here that he earned his masters at King's College London. Ten years later, he was named the Bishop of Lesotho, and in 1978, he accepted an offer to serve as the South African Council of Churches' general secretary.

Throughout the following decade, Tutu worked tirelessly to draw attention to the unjustness of apartheid. He favoured non-violent protests, and encouraged other nations to place economic pressure on the South African government, as a means of changing the laws relating to apartheid. As a history enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo might remember that in 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

More recently, he has focused on the elimination of poverty; prior to the 2005 G8 summit, he publically asked world leaders to work towards the promotion of free trade in developing countries, and demanded the abolition of high taxes on medicines used to treat AIDs. His words led to the G8 leaders committing to increasing the amount of aid provided to poorer nations, and promising to do their best to offer universal access to HIV and AIDS medications.