Profession: Anglican Archbishop and Activist
Biography: Desmond Tutu is a South African cleric and theologian known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He rose to international fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid, advocating nonviolent resistance and racial reconciliation.
He was consecrated as the first Black Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. Tutu's outspokenness against the racial segregation policy placed him at the forefront of the civil rights struggle in his country.
In recognition of his efforts, Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, and the Gandhi Peace Prize. These awards reflected his enduring commitment to nonviolence and reconciliation during one of South Africa's most tumultuous and historical eras.
After apartheid ended, Tutu headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an innovative conflict resolution initiative that was established by Nelson Mandela's government. The commission sought to address the violence and human rights abuses that had occurred during apartheid by offering perpetrators amnesty in exchange for open testimony about their crimes.
Born: October 7, 1931
Birthplace: Klerksdorp, Western Transvaal, South Africa
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Libra
Died: December 26, 2021 (aged 90)
Married Life
- 1955-07-02 Desmond Tutu marries Leah Nomalizo Shinxani
Historical Events
- 1984-10-16 Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop, wins Nobel Peace Prize
- 1984-12-10 South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu is presented with his Nobel Peace Prize
- 1985-08-19 Following the Rubicon speech four days earlier, Archbishop Desmond Tutu snubs P. W. Botha's invitation to attend a meeting to discuss the role and actions of the police and security forces in South Africa
- 1986-04-14 Desmond Tutu elected Anglican Archbishop of Capetown, South Africa
- 1986-09-07 Desmond Tutu becomes Anglican Archbishop of Capetown
- 1989-09-13 Archbishop Desmond Tutu leads biggest anti-apartheid protest march in South Africa
- 1996-06-23 Archbishop Tutu retires as Archbishop of Cape Town and head of the Anglican Church in South Africa
- 1998-08-19 South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission chairperson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, releases documents revealing an alleged plot by Western countries to assassinate UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld of Sweden
- 2022-01-01 State Funeral in Cape Town, South Africa, for anti-apartheid leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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