In mid 2005, after learning about the professor’s Nobel Peace Award
and more about her Green Belt Movement, I wrote her a letter to share
with her my program about neem and also to thank her for planting so
many neem trees among others. The letter was posted from Austin Texas
and it took me about 4 years before I hear from her, not by mail, but
my hunting her down during her visit in the Georgetown University in
Austin area in 2009 where she was the keynote speaker on campus.
Armed with a copy of my 2005 letter, I went to sit on the front row in
the amphytheater, just to have the best view of this radiant African
icon, but also to be able to tackle her down as to speak, after the
conference. That’s what I exactly did! In front of her radiant smile,
I shook her hand and addressed her like I knew her for years (African
style!). I boldly and defyingly, yet, very politely ask her with my
big eyes, wide open: Why you did not answer my letter? (An African
brother or cousin talking to a big sister or aunt). Eh my brother,
she said, I did not receive any letter from you! What was it about,
she countinued? Here, I said, a copy. Please read it, I said. Of
course I will, and she give it to her daughter and got back to me.
Now what was it about? she asked. About your laudable effort in
greening Africa and also to let you know about my happiness from you
planting the neem trees, I said.
Looking at the small group of Africans gathering around, she said:
You guys will be today my African entourage. Let’s go to the official
VIP reception. But, we are not invited we all said! You are now!, she
responded! And there we went, socializing and mingling with the big
crowd with her smile and live self glowing like 100 candles in the
room! This is the first and last time I spoke to her and this is one
of the pictures I hold dear to my heart from that day.
Smiling is contagious. So here I was on the left and another African
Cudjo from Ghana (founder of Xofa eco-Village in the Volta Region on
right) and his friend (right) from Austin. May she rest in peace in
the big garden she planted through her Green Belt Movement.
—
…Those who do most, dream most.
-Stephen Leacock
Best regards
Dr. D. D. Faye, Entomologist/Agronomist
ABC/SNF Founder/President
www.africabound.org
www.senegalneemfoundation.org
(512) 294-1732
