Julius Nyerere

The death of Dr. Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania, is a great loss to Africa at a time when negative images of the continent’s leaders are so often featured in the news (Oct. 15).

In 1957, a year before he became a member of the legislature, he visited me in Chicago and we did a radio program for NBC. Afterward, I said we would take the Illinois Central train to my apartment at the University of Chicago. Nyerere said, “In Africa I walk a lot and I can think. Here in America I never get to walk. Can’t we walk?” A good question!

It was only about eight miles so we set off. Midway we stopped at the then-offices of Ebony magazine on South Parkway for the cup of tea that he needed in mid-afternoon. As we walked he was silent for long periods but also reflected upon what it would mean for him to lead Tanzania. He spoke of George Washington and a great historical opportunity. He described his father, Chief Burito Nyerere, and how both the Germans and British had thwarted moves to independence. His resolution to end colonialism was manifest.

Nyerere’s subsequent failures with “African Socialism” should not dim his beacon of honesty, justice and integrity that shone across the continent and included his chairmanship of the Organization of African Unity.

NED MUNGER

Professor of African Studies

Caltech, Pasadena