I remember that December morning in 2004.  I was on my way to work and was listening to Wangari Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on the radio.

“Recognizing that sustainable development, democracy and peace are indivisible is an idea whose time has come.”  On the verge of tears, I cheered at that moment.

Over the next few years, I grew to learn more about her work.  My collegues at Satya Magazine had interviewed  and written about Prof. Maathai, and we featured her prominently in our pages.  Later, I had the opportunity to provide research assistance on her book The Challenge for Africa (Pantheon 2009).  I was saddened to hear of her death this past September.  A summary of her ” life of firsts” can be found here.

In New York, this week, there will be a memorial service, honoring and celebrating this remarkable woman.

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine will hold a memorial ceremony for Prof. Wangari Maathai on the 14th of November from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street)
New York, NY
November 14th, 2011

The ceremony will begin promptly and all are invited to attend.Donations will be collected for the Green Belt Movement. Please do not bring any flowers or presents.