Desmond Tutu was born in South Africa, poor.
He trained as a teacher but wanted to be a doctor.
Because this was not permitted, he asked, ‘What can
I do?’ And a churchman he could be. A black man
In apartheid’s time, he championed progressive change
By non-violent means. His leadership skills ranged
From building rights for women in the churches
To disabusing the Government’s repeated lurches
Toward police brutality for simple segregation crimes –
When a white and black mixed ‘territory.’ The aim
Was to maintain blacks separate and in permanent penury.
He said, “Where there is injustice, invariably Peace is a casualty.”*
Criticized, he walked a prominent path,
Undeterred, despite others’ wrath.
June Edvenson 