Desmond Tutu Research Paper

Desmond Tutu was born on October 7, 1931 in the country of South Africa (Desmond Tutu). Segregation of blacks and whites was commonplace at the time. However in 1948 when he was 17 years old, the country began to experience what was known as the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was an extreme version of discrimination like we had in the United States at one time (“Apartheid”). Desmond Tutu’s qualities of religious faith, foresight, leadership, activism, courage, conciliation and humor were integral in eventually bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa. As a result, his legacy lives on.

The word apartheid comes from the Dutch for “apart”, but it meant more than just keeping blacks and whites separate. Bantu, black Africans, were not allowed

One of the most important times in a nation’s history is the transition when a new government is established. This is when a country is very vulnerable to violence and instability. The wounds and anger suffered during the war are still fresh. There is often a cycle of retribution for past atrocities resulting in new violence that brings new hatred. Archbishop Tutu was asked to be the chairperson of the post-apartheid South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The goal was to lessen tensions between the two sides by bringing justice. Political criminals were able to request amnesty, and victims could be unburdened by telling their stories. War crimes were punished. Tutu’s ability to reconcile the sides was amazing. His faith that everyone could be forgiven and redeemed was tested as the commission heard tales of monstrous deeds perpetrated during the struggle. However, somehow they were able to heal many wounds (Tutu, Desmond, God Has a

He also created the Desmond Tutu Foundation to support his campaigns and inspire others to create a peace among all (Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation).

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is retired now but his bountiful qualities and accomplishments have inspired many people including Nelson Mandela and F.W de Klerk. (“Tutu wins the Nobel Peace Prize”). He also won many prizes rewarding him for all of his efforts in South African equality: the Lincoln Leadership Prize, Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award, Pacem in Terris Award, and the Gandhi Peace Prize; all great honors (Champions of Human Rights Desmond Tutu).

Desmond Tutu’s qualities of religious faith, foresight, leadership, activism, courage, conciliation and humor were integral in eventually bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa. As a result, his legacy lives on. Desmond Tutu says that the philosophy of the African word Ubuntu which means that everyone is linked. It is said that “what affects one of us affects us all” (Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation). Archbishop Tutu decided that he would live his life standing by Ubuntu, and that was what he did. He is a great believer in the power of forgiveness and that asking for forgiveness and offering it, is part of the journey