Taking Root

Recognized as Time Magazine’s Hero of the Planet, Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist and political activist was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.  She earned her bachelor’s and master degrees and completed her doctorate in the United States. 

When it came to the environment, she has been a gargantuan force in the fight to “promote ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa”.

She founded the Green Belt Movement, the largest tree-planting campaign in Africa.  She believed, “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.”

96 Words

This was written for the Weekend Writing Prompt by Sammi Cox. For instructions, click Here.

Sources: CNN; Good Reads; African American Registry