Color Me In!
Give a Loan, Plant a Tree, Paint a Life
A Loving Goodbye to the Woman who Started It All
When CMI was still a fuzzy idea and we had no idea how to bring to life our desire to continue work in Zambia, former Peace Corps Volunteer and CMI Advisor Ned Baker and I visited the National Geographic Society in Washington DC to hear the story of Wangari Mathaai. It is no exaggeration to say that after those two hours of listening to her speak, our motivation to take action fueled the formation of our mission and helped turn CMI from an itch below the surface into a breathing, collective effort to preserve our natural resources while addressing core issues of poverty.
“In the world there is a new collective force of people mobilising around the issue of peace but linking it to the need to protect the environment. But we must assert our collective vision and responsibility to shape that peace not only for our country but also for the whole of Africa.”
Wangari passed away this past Sunday on September 25th at the age of 71 from ovarian cancer. In her time she was a pioneer for women's rights in Kenya, Founded and led the Green Belt Movement planting over 40 million trees in Africa, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
You can learn more about the Green Belt Movement and more on Wangari's life, online. The documentary that Ned and I saw back in 
2008 is not available for viewing online, however you can see a trailer HERE and if you're into trees, activism, issues of gender, the environment or Africa we highly recommend purchasing a copy online (share it with friends or host a viewing party!).
Some called Wangari a force of nature. Her resilient attitude and unfaltering belief in both herself as a leader and the ability of people to change for the better mark her as one of the most influential figures of our time. I am in awe of the woman, and will always hold her as a model for how much a single person can do in this life.
Thank you Wangari for everything that you have given to us, and peace to your family and friends who carry on your spirit.
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Comment by Ned Baker on October 1, 2011 at 8:08am -
This is such a nice post, Sarah. I'm so glad we got to see her. Wangari was one of those people whose reputation precedes her, but then you meet and realize she's just a normal person--only with a most extraordinary will. She never gave up. Africa has lost an irreplaceable role model for environmental activists and women everywhere, but Wangari did much to inspire the next generation. It's up to them to carry on her legacy.
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Comment by Sarah Grant on October 3, 2011 at 7:40am -
She was amazing - I still remember how we were the only ones who sat in the front row and I thought everyone else was crazy for not jumping at those seats! Her work and story is another constant reminder that not all progress is fast and easy - the most significant results are the product of ongoing work, uncertainty and sacrifice. March on CMI and other worthy development efforts…….we've got big shoes to fill.
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Comment by ChalweMumba on October 4, 2011 at 1:50am -
Thanks for the Post Sarah, she was a great lady and though I did not get to meet her in person, talking to her colleagues at the Green Belt Movement Offices it was clear that she inspired many in her work and I hope the work will continue and the people remaining, including us, will carry the vision forward.
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Comment by Sarah Grant on October 4, 2011 at 6:10am
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Thanks for the comment Chalwe - I would love to get ahold of the video documentary on her life to share with some of our CMI crew for the lessons and inspiration to be drawn. I am going to send her family a card from us all, and hope to keep in close touch with the members of the GBM.
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