On December the 26th the human race lost a centerpiece of its moral compass. Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his outspoken and unyielding fight against apartheid in South Africa, died at 90. Known as “Arch” to his friends, he could also have won awards for his dance steps, his self-deprecating humor and his fierce determination to stand up for the rights of the poor.
I had the privilege of being with Arch in Northern Ireland when he turned down the protection of a security detail and walked alone through a crowd of Catholic and Protestant militants. He did not flinch and neither side dared to move. I was with him for ten days in Bali in 2004 and 2007 when Carole Angermeir, Marsha Jaffe and I held two Quest for Global Healing conferences totaling 750 participants from over forty countries. The following photos will give you a sense of the man, and what humanity has just lost.
With hopes that we will all stay healthy and thrive in 2022.
–Wilford
He loved to dance:
He loved to play:
Behind his laughter there was serious intent. Here he was with two other Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Jody Williams for her work to remove land mines, Betty Williams for her Northern Ireland peace efforts, and the author:
With Leah, his wife of 67 years, who was also a fierce activist:
With the three princes of Ubud, Bali, the author, Carole Angermeir and Agung Rai, the founder of the Agung Rai Museum of the Arts:
We experienced soaring beauty…
And solemn ceremony
Desmond Tutu
A man with messages to us all of inclusion, love, peace and reconciliation
