Thandeka Luthuli Gcabashe’s (Thandi) much-anticipated memoir was recently completed and celebrated in an inspiring event at the African American Hall of Fame in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. The prestigious venue, which honors African Americans who have contributed significantly to civil rights, education, and public service, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion.
Thandeka Luthuli Gcabashe is the daughter of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Albert Luthuli. In 1970, Thandi escaped the real and threatening realities of apartheid to raise her family in the safety of the US. From her home in Atlanta, Georgia, she began her tireless work for the people of her country. She was a significant leader in effective educational, boycott, and divestment campaigns.
The event brought together many of Thandi's former colleagues, including representatives from the Georgia Coalition for Divestment in South Africa, the American Friends Service Committee, Atlanta University, and other organizations that played pivotal roles in the anti-apartheid movement, as well as friends and family.
One of the many highlights of the evening was a performance by Mr. Cuba Stellenberg, a junior at Morehouse College, who is a member of the Glee Club and a native of Johannesburg, South Africa. He delivered a moving rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, followed by the audience singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, an African American anthem of liberation and unity that symbolizes the fight for equality and justice.
Dr. Kipton Jensen of the Andrew Young Center at Morehouse College opened the evening with a warm welcome and Gloria Gaines, the event moderator and co-editor, reflected on her time working with Thandi. Elizabeth Enloe, co-editor, then shared insights into creating and completing the memoir.
Thandi's three daughters—Sibongile Montgomery, Nomhle Canca, and Nokukhanya Warren—touched the audience with their reflections on life with their mother, sharing stories of her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Mr. Chris Lambert, an Oprah Winfrey Scholar and Higher Education in Prison student ambassador at Morehouse College, recounted his experience studying in South Africa and how it enhanced his understanding of social justice.
The evening concluded with a book signing by Thandi’s daughters. The book launch not only commemorated Thandi's Memoir: it also celebrated her legacy and her tireless pursuit of social justice, unity, and transformation. The event inspired all who attended to continue her mission of creating a better and more equitable world.
You can purchase Thandi: Liberation: My Struggle for South Africa as an Exile in America by Thandeka Luthuli-Gcabashe at Africa World Press Books (here). This news article is a slight variation of a press release from the US Embassy in Pretoria.
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