In Memoriam: Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)

Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan professor, social activist, and winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, has died of cancer at the age of 71.

Dr. Maathi is probably best known for founding the Green Belt Movement, which is attempting to reforest areas of Africa.

Professor Maathi was a 1964 graduate of Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, where she majored in biology. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi. She then joined the veterinary medicine faculty at the University of Nairobi.

Here is a brief video in which she recounts her philosophy of life.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Only two weeks ago my friends, husband and I were speaking about her; ironnically we could describe her but no one could remember her name. Now, we will never forget it: Hummingbird!
    Thank you, Wangari Maathai, the earth is a better place because of you.

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