Mayo people to honour 'giant for justice' Desmond Tutu
MAYO friends and supporters of Desmond Tutu are preparing to join a major online event in honour of the legendary South African humanitarian and anti-apartheid campaigner who passed away on Sunday at the age of 90.
This evening's (Thursday) Celebration of the Life of Desmond Tutu event is being organised by Afri, an Irish peace and human rights organisation.
Archbishop Tutu was the organisation’s patron for almost 30 years, after it hosted his first visit to Ireland 1984. Since then, Afri hosted the revered human rights leader several times, including in 1991 when he led the annual Afri famine walk in Doolough, Co. Mayo.
Afri helped lead the Irish campaign against apartheid and arranged for the Dunnes Stores strikers, who refused to handle South African fruit, to meet Tutu in London while on his way to collect the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. This meeting famously helped internationalise the campaign against apartheid, and the Irish campaign was later recognised by Nelson Mandela and others.
Tutu also called for an investigation after Rossport farmer Willie Corduff was beaten during his campaign against the Shell gas pipeline.
The online event place online this evening (Thursday) from 8 to 9 p.m. and several hundred people in Ireland and internationally are registered to attend. It is being hosted by author and activist Ruairí McKiernan and speakers and performers will include former Dunnes Stores striker Mary Manning, musician Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Northern Ireland based South African poet Nandi Jola, and South African activist and MASI spokesperson Bulelani Mfaco, who is a resident at the Knockalisheen direct provision centre. More guest speakers and musicians are also due to be announced.
Speaking in advance of the event, Joe Murray from Afri, who was a personal friend of Desmond Tutu, says it will be an important moment of reflection for one of the true great giants for peace and justice in the world.
“He was an incredible human being and I feel privileged to have known him over so many years. He was a person who walked his talk and overcame huge adversity to continue spreading a message of hope in the world. He radiated a great warmth and humanity and was never afraid to smile yet he never shied away from the issues.
“He campaigned on many issues, including LGBT rights, against the oppression of the Palestinian people, and stood up for those campaigning against Shell in Mayo. He also opposed militarism, including the horrendous weapons industry, which the Irish government has now decided to get involved in.
“Desmond Tutu's message is more important than ever and it is vital we honour him but also to act on this message by continuing to be courageous and hopeful, even when the odds are against us. It is for us now to continue his great legacy.”
Registration for the Celebration of the Life of Desmond Tutu event is free and information can be founded on https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-celebration-of-the-life-of-desmond-tutu-tickets-233710643827 or at https://www.afri.ie/.
Watch Afri's tribute to Desmond Tutu here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEE7Lpuea5I