A look at the career of WEB Du Bois

WEB Du Bois was a writer, 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; while 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. While 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, The Souls of Black Folk. 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 that 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 died 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 that he himself had fought for during his lifetime.

Advocates for Africa: Ken Saro Wiwa

Ken Saro-Wiwa remains one of Africa’s most influential figures with his various contributions throughout the continent. As a writer, producer and activist, the impact he has forged upon African culture is undisputable, inspiring many with his advocacy efforts. His work has merited a number of awards, solidifying his role as one of the continents foremost environmental activists. His protest of

environmental damage caused by oil extraction and petroleum waste disposal in defense of the Ogoni community brought awareness to the extreme conditions effecting Ogoniland. Tunde Folawiyo and other citizens of Africa may regard Saro-Wiwa’s contributions to environmental protection as some of the most significant in the history of Africa.

Born in the Niger Delta city of Bori, Saro-Wiwa proved an excellent student during his early years of schooling, obtaining a scholarship for English study at a university in Ibadan. He was later briefly employed as a teaching assistant for a university in Lagos. In the coming years, he served as Civilian Administrator for Bonny, a port city in Niger Delta.

He began a series of successful businesses during the late part of the 1970s, focusing mainly on his creative works in the years following. One of his most famous works, a novel, told the tale of a village boy recruited into war, reflecting his own war time experiences.

His journalism and production work was halted upon his entrance to the country’s political scene. Years later, during 1990, his focus turned to social issues like human rights and environmental topics in Ogoniland and other areas. His reputation as a respected writer and producer drew great attention to the causes he supported, thrusting him further into the international spotlight.

During the early 1990’s, Saro-Wiwa served as Vice Chair for UNPO, an international democratic organisation whose members seek to nonviolently protect their rights and environments from conflict and environmental damage. The indigenous people represented by the organisation faced a variety of hardships affecting their quality of life.

An early member of MOSOP, a movement to ensure the Ogoni people’s survival, Saro-Wiwa was amongst the organisation’s foremost advocates. During January of 1993, MOSOP initiated a series of peaceful marches to bring awareness to the social issues playing Ogoniland. Two years later, his death sparked international outrage, drawing attention to the plight of the Ogoni people. His works are still famed throughout Africa nearly two decades after his passing. The impact he forged upon environmental protection efforts continues to be recognised by African citizens like Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout the world. For more information about others working for a brighter future for Africa, visit Tunde Folawiyo Slideshare.

Philip Emeagwali

The African continent has long been home to a great number of innovative thinkers, with famed artists, musicians and scholars among them. As a prize-winning scholar, Philip Emeagwali has contributed much to the field of science throughout his successful career, forging a great impact with his research, findings and initiatives. One of his most celebrated career accomplishments, the use of a supercomputer to aid in analyzing petroleum fields, has garnered him worldwide recognition. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a thirst for knowledge may regard Emeagwali as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars.

Born the 23 of August of 1954, Emeagwali’s early education was halted due to war. At the age of 14, he began serving in Biafran’s army. Upon the end of the war, he embarked on rigorous self-study to acquire a high school equivalency that would see him travel to the U.S. for study. Attending under scholarship, Emeagwali earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Oregon’s state university during 1977. He found work as a civil engineer in Wyoming during his time in the United States before later moving to Washington D.C. Here, he received a master’s in marine and ocean engineering as well as a second in mathematics from the popular University of Maryland. Whilst he studied to acquire a P.H.D. from the same university during the late 80’s, his thesis was rejected, prompting a court case that ultimately failed to reverse the university’s decision to withhold a degree. Though he was never awarded a doctorate, his work maintained its credibility.

Voted amongst Africa’s greatest scientists of all time by various publications, Emeagwali’s work has been recognised internationally, demonstrating the wide impact of his discoveries. Throughout his esteemed career, he was awarded several honours solidifying his place as one of the continent’s foremost scientific minds. His achievements were quoted in a speech by former United States president Bill Clinton, who referenced Emeagwali as an inspiration for Nigerians.

Awarded the Gordon Bell Prize of 1989, Emeagwali’s work continues to benefit the lucrative oil industry throughout Africa and beyond. Whilst some claims he made throughout his career garnered controversy, his contributions to his country through his scientific findings are not lost upon the millions who indirectly benefited from his work. Tunde Folawiyo and African citizens may regard Emeagwali’s achievements as some of the greatest in Africa’s recent memory. His legacy as an esteemed engineer, geologist and mathematician is one that will stand for many years to come. For more information about others working for a brighter future for Africa, visit Tunde Folawiyo Slideshare.

Nelson Mandela: Lesser Known Facts about a Great Man

Much has been written about the famous South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who was President of the African National Congress (ANC) and then president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Even schoolchildren know that Nelson Mandela was a freedom fighter who spent 27 years in prison for conspiracy to overthrow the government. But, Nelson Mandela was more than his public persona, including being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, with many lesser known facts coming to the surface after his death on December 5, 2014.

Many people don’t recognise Nelson Mandela’s given name, Rolihlahla, which in the tribe into which he was born means “pulling the branch of a tree” or sometimes interpreted as “troublemaker.” Without even realising it, his parents had given him a name that would personify the man he would become, creating trouble for the South African government and their policy of racial discrimination known as Apartheid. It wasn’t until his first day of elementary school, when his British teacher renamed him Nelson that he would receive the name he would carry for the rest of his life. 

Mandela’s life as a young boy, growing up in the village of Qunu, which had no paved roads and everyone lived in huts, is well-known, but few people realise that Mandela was baptized in the Methodist Church and on the event of his father’s death, was adopted at  the age of nine by the tribal chief.

As a young man he was proud and rebellious and excelled at long-distance running and boxing. After realising he would be called upon to fulfill an arranged marriage established by his adopted father, Mandela left for Johannesburg, where his life as a lawyer and political activist began.

During the darkest days of unrest and anti-apartheid activities, Nelson Mandela would become so notorious for his many disguises; the press would name him “the Black Pimpernel,” as he would remain out of sight during the day, coming out only at night to evade the police.

Nelson Mandela was a man who loved to garden, play soccer, and eat tripe. He drew his immense patience while in prison from the poem “Invictus” written by William Ernest Hadley. He was a public figure, but had a very private side and for his admirers, such as Nigerian businessman Tunde Folawiyo, the presence of Nelson Mandela will be missed. For those who would like additional material, information on Tunde Folawiyo and his interest in inspirational figures can be found on his Worky profile.

Muhammad Ali: The Olympic Story

Before embarking on a career unrivalled in the sport of boxing, Muhammad Ali achieved greatness by becoming an Olympic champion. This connection to the historic level of competition found in the Olympics, has continued throughout his life, acting as an inspirational story for athletes of all generations, of all nationalities, and of all sports.

In 1960 the Olympics was to be held in Rome, Italy. At that time Muhammad Ali was known by his original name of Cassius Clay. At just 18 years old, Ali had just become a high school graduate and yet was already renowned for honed athletic skills, and his engaging, charismatic personality. Despite this, the world was yet to be introduced to the greatest boxer who ever lived – the 1960 Olympics served as that introduction.

Ali was a relative unknown at that time in world boxing, even though he had 100 recorded victories as an amateur boxer, as well as being the heavyweight National Amateur Athletic Union champion for two years running from 1950 to 1960, not to mention securing two Golden Gloves in those years. Without much fanfare, it was therefore left to Ali to provide his own promotion and do what he became famous for - talking and boxing to equally eloquent levels.

He initially fought several rounds, starting with Yvon Becaus from Belgium, with the referee having to stop the fight in the second round. After this he went up against the intimidating Russian, Gennadiy Shatkov, a dedicated boxer who won the gold in 1956 for the middleweight category. Needless to say, many may have thought that Muhammad Ali would not have won this fight, but he did, and progressed to the semi-finals where he fought Tony Madigan from Australia. After being awarded another unanimous decision, he finally had to fight Zbigniew Pietrsykowski from Poland. The fight went the distance, with Muhammad Ali coming out on top and almost knocking Pietrsykowski clean out just before the final bell. Thus, Muhammad Ali won the gold medal for the light heavyweight category and began the greatest boxing career the world has ever seen.

Muhammad Ali's contributions to the Olympics continued for decades afterwards. Wanting to acknowledge his place as an Olympic icon, he was given the honour of being the final torch carrier at the Olympics in Atlanta, USA, in 1996. While he has had to struggle against the onset of Parkinson's Disease, Ali continues to be an inspiration to all aspiring Olympic athletes around the world, not to mention African businesspeople and leaders such as Tunde Folawiyo (for more information visit the Tunde Folawiyo Facebook page).

The achievements of the novelist Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was a highly respected author from Nigeria, whom most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have probably heard of. Although Achebe's novels are written mainly for those living in Africa, they have, over the decades, been translated into over forty languages.

Over the course of his lifetime, he published a large collection of essays, short stories, novels, poetry and children's books, and won many awards for his work, including the New Statesman-Jock Campbell Award for 'Arrow of God', and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for the poetry volume, 'Christmas in Biafra'. In 2007, he received one of the world's most prestigious awards, the Man Booker Prize. In addition to these, Achebe was also the recipient of over twenty honorary doctorates.

Born in Ogidi in 1930, Achebe's family were members of the Igbo tribe. However, Achebe was raised as a Christian, although he always retained an interest in the more traditional faiths of his homeland. He was a talented and intelligent young man, and did well in his studies, graduating from the University College at Ibadan at the age of 24. He published his first book, entitled 'Things Fall Apart', four years later; based on the clash between the Western culture of the missionaries, and that of native Africans, the novel was enormously successful, and has since been included on many school's required reading lists.

During the sixties, Achebe wrote prolifically, publishing a total of three novels between 1960 and 1960. Named 'A Man of the People', 'Arrow of God' and 'No Longer at Ease', each of the books dealt with the issue of colonial perspectives coming into conflict with traditional ways of life in Africa.

Whilst he was known primarily for his writing, Achebe was also a teacher. For four years in the seventies, and one year in the eighties, Achebe served an English professor at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to this, he spent one year working at the University of Connecticut. His longest period of teaching took place at Bard College, located just outside of New York City. He lectured here for more than 15 years, before leaving to becoming a faculty member of Brown University. He passed away four years later, at the age of 82.

Folawiyo takes a keen interest in the accomplishments of influential figures like Achebe. However, this is just one of his many interests; to learn more about his areas of expertise, follow Tunde Folawiyo projects online.

The life of Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an African American woman, who was involved in the civil rights movement. Often referred to as 'the freedom movement's mother', she played a key role in the elimination of racial segregation in the USA.

Born in 1913, she married a man named Raymond Parks at the age of 19. Raymond had been a member of the NAACP for many years, and he who first inspired his wife to take a stand against racial injustices, by joining this organisation.

As a history fanatic, Tunde Folawiyo might be aware that in 1943, Parks became the chapter secretary in the NAACP's Montgomery branch. During her first few years there, she worked closely with a railroad porter named Edgar D. Nixon, the branch's president, who at that point was focusing on establishing voting rights for African Americans.

Most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, will probably know that the 1st of December 1955 was an enormously significant date in Parks' life. It was on this day that she committed an act of defiance which would forever cement her place in history books; she disobeyed the orders of a local bus driver, who had insisted that she give up her seat in the African-American section, for a white person, as the other section was full. Whilst her refusal led to her arrest, the incident ended up playing an important part in the civil rights movement, as it inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to establish the Montgomery Improvement Association.

This association launched a boycott of all transportation provided by the company that operated that particular bus. This boycott went on for 55 weeks, and garnered international attention. Only when the Supreme Court finally banned all forms of racial segregation on public transport, did the association end its protest.

Two years after the bus incident, Parks moved to Michigan with her husband; here, she became a member of staff for John Conyers, a US representative. After her retirement many years later, she continued to offer her support to a variety of civil-rights causes and events. She also wrote her autobiography, which she entitled 'Rosa Parks: My Story'. Over the course of her lifetime, she received many awards and honours, in recognition of her tireless efforts to eliminate racism; two of the most prestigious were the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she was given in 1996, and the Congressional Gold Medal, which she received in 1999.

Folawiyo enjoys learning about the accomplishments of inspiring figures like Parks. For further information on the world's most influential people, subscribe to Tunde Folawiyo YouTube channel.

Fighting and Philanthropy: Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, the world-famous American boxer, is in the news this week after a pair of gloves he wore in the legendary 1971 row with Joe Frazier sold at auction for over £230,000. The rivalry between the two great boxers became legendary. Frazier won the 1971 battle and became the heavy-weight world champion, but the title was ultimately taken from him by Ali in a harrowing rematch in 1974. The auction took place in Cleveland, Ohio, where the same auction house once sold another set of Ali gloves for nearly £500,000.

Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942, Ali enjoyed a supportive, middle-class upbringing. He took up boxing at the age of twelve. By 1960, he had several state and national titles, and won the gold medal in the Light Heavyweight category at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Ali, still under the name Cassius Clay, fought Sonny Liston for the World Heavyweight Championship. It was in a pre-game interview for this fight that Ali said his now-famous line, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” After a surprising six rounds, Ali was declared the winner by technical knock-out, becoming, at the age of 22, the youngest boxer at the time to take the championship title away from another boxer. 

Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam. He lost his title in 1967 for refusing to serve in the Vietnam War, and in the years after, he travelled around the country, speaking out against the conflict. The 1971 fight against Frazier was Ali’s first chance to win back his title, which he ultimately did not do until 1974. Ali’s career continued until he retired for health-related reasons. His last fight was in 1981. Ali is considered by some to be one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Ali remained socially and politically active, as well. In 1991, he worked with the governments of the US and Iraq to negotiate hostage releases during the Gulf War, and in the early 2000s he worked with the United Nations to promote peace in Afghanistan, continuing in his early beliefs that war is essentially wrong. A cultural centre and non-profit bearing his name was recently opened in his home town. The Muhammad Ali Centre serves as a tribute to the boxer, but also works to promote his peaceful, unifying values. Many see Ali as a personal influence on their own life and work, including Tunde Folawiyo, a Nigerian businessman with interests ranging from philanthropy to African art. More information can be found on the Tunde Folawiyo African art blog.

Remembering Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela International Day, first declared by the UN and celebrated in 2009, was celebrate this year on Mandela's birthday, July 18 2014, for the first time since Mandela's death. The day is meant to honour Mandela and to remind people of his life and work, to encourage others to fight for peace, combat poverty and work for a better world for everyone. Today, all over the world, leaders and citizens are considering the life of the former president of South African, and considering how they can contribute in the wake of his death last December.

Nelson Mandela, the son of a chief and the grandson of a king, led a legendary life. He became the first black president of South African, elected in 1994, after serving 27 years in prison on a charge of conspiring to overthrow the government. As a student at the University of Witwatersran, where he was the only native black student enrolled, Mandela became acquainted with activists, and began working to oppose colonization. He attained a leadership position in the African National Congress and worked in campaigns to end apartheid, the government-enforced segregation of South Africa. In 1962, he was arrested for his anti-government activities, and tried for sabotage and conspiracy. After a guilty verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison. In prison, Mandela was kept in a small damp cell, and performed forced labour during the day. In 1990, Mandela was finally released. South African president F.W. De Klerk and Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and the country's first election for people of all races was held the year after that.

Mandela's subsequent presidency saw the unification of the ACN and the Afrikaners in South Africa and the end of apartheid. Leaders in many fields throughout the world consider Mandela an influence, including Tunde Folawiyo. For more on the businessman’s life and interests, readers can find post from Tunde Folawiyo on YouTube. Mandela's legacy is one of courage, long-suffering, and ultimately peace. Even with threats to his life (he faced the possibility of the death penalty after his 1962 arrest), Mandela maintained his principles. After spending nearly three decades is prison, he emerged not seeking revenge, but peace, justice and equal treatment under the law for all of the citizens of South Africa. The largest lesson from Mandela's life may be to forgive your enemies, and it is advice we still need to hear today.

The fight that made Muhammed Ali

Muhammed Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr on 17th January 1942, was arguably America's, if not the world's, finest boxer, and a favourite amongst aficionados such as Tunde Folawiyo. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised by a supportive African-American middle-class family, unlike many of his fellow boxers of the time.

Clay's father painted billboards and signs. His mother, Odessa, was a household domestic. He and his brother, Rudolph, were brought up as Baptists. Clay was a descendent of slavery from the American South, predominantly of African-American descent, with English, Irish and Italian ancestors.

First directed towards boxing by Louisville police officer and boxing coach, Joe E. Martin, Clay was trained by boxing cutman, Chuck Bodak. Cassius Clay proved a formidable opponent, soon racking up the Light Heavyweight Gold Medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. By this point in time, he had a stellar amateur record of just five losses to 100 wins.

In 1964, Clay's match with Sonny Liston proved to be the fight of his life, and one of the most anticipated, watched, and controversial fights in boxing history. Liston was the World Heavyweight Champion, and an intimidating opponent. 22 year old Clay had virtually sealed the deal by the third round. Cut under the left eye (the first cut of his boxing career), Liston's legs were buckling: he was already on the ropes. The fight continued for five more unbearable rounds. Clay was pronounced heavyweight champion.

Shortly afterwards, Clay renounced both his faith and his birth name, announcing himself as a member of the Nation of Islam. By 6th March, he had taken the name of Muhammed ("worthy of praises") Ali ("most high").

Many of the press refused to refer to Muhammed Ali by his new name. In 1966, Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam war as a conscientious objector. In 1967, he was found guilty of refusal of induction into the armed forces. He was stripped of his belt, and banned from fighting for 3 1/2 years. His most impressive fight was in 1971, against George Foreman. The fight was dubbed as "The Rumble In The Jungle". Ali won.

Ali announced his retirement in 1979, but stepped back into the ring twice more - he officially retired in 1981. In 1984, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite his illness, he carried the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta.
To boxing enthusiasts like Tunde Folawiyo, Muhammed Ali remains one of the greatest boxing legends of all time. For readers who wish to find additional information on Tunde Folawiyo please visit his online profile.