FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

December 26, 2021 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov 

c: 202.480.5737

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), issued the following statement on the passing of Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu:

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the global Ambassador of humanity and human rights who helped usher in an era that united the world in a common cause: ending apartheid in South Africa. What a great loss for the world and mankind. The 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner was the Commencement Speaker at my graduation from Oberlin College and a leader and true inspiration in the Global Racial Justice movement. I have powerful and indelible memories of Archbishop Tutu’s passion for justice as commencement speaker. This would be the first of several encounters with him over the years. He was truly an inspiring leader, said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. 

“He is leaving behind a legacy that will not only shape generations to come, but continue to be transformative, as we advance the movement for a more just and equitable world. May he rest in peace.” 

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Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.