It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that I write this tribute for a dear friend and classmate from the 2020 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellowship cohort - Aminata Wurie - a life whose impact will echo for the rest of our lives.

Aminata was a gracious soul, embodying a silent power that resonated deeply with everyone she met. Though often immersed in her thoughts, tirelessly contemplating ways to uplift and enhance the human capital of our beloved African continent through her company, Posterity Thinkers, those fortunate enough to know her were blessed with her wonderful sense of humor.

Aminata had an uncanny ability to see the unique qualities in others and would offer genuine compliments that lifted spirits and inspired confidence. Her words were always straightforward, honest, and kind, making her a trustworthy confidante and a source of unwavering support.

Her love for her three daughters and her mother was profound, and she spoke of them with such pride and fondness that it warmed all of our hearts. During the Tutu Fellowship Program in South Africa, Oxford, and London, she made it a point to stay connected with them, often FaceTiming her mother, her daughters, and her community in both London and Sierra Leone, sharing moments of joy and support despite the distance, even in the short breaks we had during the program.

Aminata was a perpetual learner, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless desire to make a positive impact. Her commitment to improving the lives of the people of Sierra Leone, and building on that to enable development all across Africa, was core to enhancing our sense of generational responsibility as Tutu Fellows. Her ability to inspire those around her will stay with us forever. She was not just a colleague or a classmate; she was a beacon of light, a
source of strength, and a cherished friend.

In remembering her, we honor the incredible legacy she leaves behind and the silent strength she carried within her. Our hearts ache with her loss, but we find solace in the memories and the profound impact she had on all of us. Though we won’t be able to hear her voice again, we’ll continue to be propelled by her dedication to bettering our continent and supporting one another with the same compassion, sincerity, and unwavering love she showed us. Her family, friends, and our continent has lost a good one, a kind leader who was committed to transforming our motherland.

 This tribute was written by 2020 Tutu Fellow Sylvia Makario, who was part of Aminata's COVID-delayed cohort.