Nobel Peace Prize winner Maathai draws big crowd at SJU
By Doug Trumm
On Sept. 30, St. John’s School of Theology’s presented its Dignitas Humana Award to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. Maathai gave a lecture titled “Environment, Democracy and Peace: A Critical Link” after receiving the award.
The event filled Humphrey Theater to capacity, forcing many people to watch the ceremony on simulcast at Pellegrene Auditorium because of the shortage of seats.
Each year, the Dignitas Humana Award recognizes individuals who do extraordinary work on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised. Maathai was selected for her work to help Kenyan farmers by planting trees in deforested areas, ravaged by erosion and in risk of desertification.
Born in Kenya, Maathai studied biology in the United States. After returning to Kenya, Maathai started the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots environmental organization that has planted over 30 million trees in Kenya to prevent soil erosion.
In addition to her environmental efforts, Maathai has been a staunch defender of democratic rights and women’s rights and an outspoken opponent of oppressive regimes.
