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.

The career of the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. | Tunde Folawiyo

Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his extraordinary work within the civil rights movement. A clergyman by profession, he had a profound impact on the lives of many people, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts to end racial inequality.

Born in 1929, King was a talented and intelligent young man, who graduated from high school at the age of 15. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, after which he chose to attend the Crozer Theological Seminary. After being awarded a BD and a Fellowship, he then completed further postgraduate studies at Boston University, and completed his doctorate at the age of 26. Whilst there, he married Coretta Scott, with whom he had four children.

Working as a Baptist minister, King was an outspoken man who was passionate about civil rights. Those who are familiar with his life, like Tunde Folawiyo, might know that in 1955, he organised the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and two years later, established the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). As the president of the SCLC, he attempted to end segregation in Albany Georgia. However, it was the peaceful protests which he arranged in Birmingham, Alabama - and the authorities violent response to these events - which brought King into the spotlight.

At that point in time, many residents of the city were opposed to the concept of desegregation, and there were frequent attacks on African Americans who lived there. King refused to allow this injustice to continue, and carried on arranging non-violent protests there, even after an injunction against the demonstrations was issued. This led to him being temporarily imprisoned; during his time in solitary confinement, he composed the (now famous) Letter from Birmingham Jail, in which he explained that people have a moral responsibility to defy laws that are inherently unjust.

In 1963, King became involved in the organisation of the March on Washington; it was at this demonstration that he delivered his most well-known 'I have a Dream' speech - one which almost everyone around the world, including Tunde Folawiyo, is probably aware of. The following year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; he was the youngest man to have ever received it, and when told of his selection, he confirmed that he would be donating all of the money to the civil rights movement. Four years later, on the 4th of April, King was assassinated in Memphis, shortly before he was due to lead another protest.