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Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaks at Desert Town Hall |
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Written by Pat Krause
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Thursday, 05 March 2009 |
 Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Indian Wells, California
Story and photos by Pat Krause
For more photos of this event by Pat Krause, click here.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the third speaker in this year’s Desert Town Hall series. He spoke on Wed., March 4, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Emerald Ballroom. Actor Lou Gossett Jr. introduced Tutu. Gossett said he was thrilled and honored to be asked to introduce him to the audience.
Tutu is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. He was born in South Africa under the apartheid regime. His dad was a teacher and his mother a domestic worker. Tutu was a teacher for three years and before entering the Anglican ministry. He was ordained in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1961.
 Tutu has since turned his attention to many different causes. HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest causes he supports, and Tutu has made appearances to raise awareness of this disease. He has given speeches all around the globe, so people will learn more about Africa and the consequences to human lives because of this disease. He is considered an Elder World Statesman by becoming a leading voice for morality and hope.
Tutu spoke of Africa, his homeland. He made reference to the unspeakable acts and atrocities committed in Africa. Power-hungry tyrants take money and have secret accounts in Switzerland. He mentioned the fact that infant mortality is high and life expectancy is worse now in Africa.
There is hope, as there is a reawakening and rebirth happening in Africa. Many more free elections are being held. Africa is rising out of the ashes of ethnic cleansing and warring tribes. Hopefully, he said, all this is coming to an end
In the middle of his speech, his earpiece kept coming off. He said he was not familiar with these devices and felt a little like Michael Jackson. The audience laughed.
Tutu said he would have to look far and wide to find a more generous country than the United States. He also made reference to some of our leaders, such as John Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan who helped to form and shape our country. He said that America is the leader in the world in generosity. As an example, he mentioned that after World War II, Europe got on its feet faster because of help from the U.S. These are lessons to be learned.
Tutu said he was very pleased about our new president, Barack Obama, knowing that he is part African. He said he watched a sea of people of all ages, sizes, colors and shapes when the new president was sworn in. People of color now have a new spring in their step, and the world has new hope for a better future.
 Tutu was a very animated speaker in his voice and actions. He had the audience laughing on several occasions. He mentioned about how we spend so many millions of dollars on ammunition for death and destruction. He wondered now many children and people that money would give food to eat, clothes to wear, schools and homes to live in. He said naked people get desperate. They only want to be safe and secure. He said together we can make a difference.
For more photos of this event by Pat Krause, click here.
For more information about Archbishop Desmond Tutu, click here.
For more information about Lou Gossett Jr., click here.
For more information about the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, click here.
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Pat Krause |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 March 2009 )
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