May, 27 2009, 01:58pm EDT
Africa Action Mourns the Loss of Tajudeen Abdul Raheem
“Don't agonise, Organise!”
WASHINGTON
This week Africa Action mourns the death of one of the most
distinguished
pan-Africanist, and United Nations Millennium Campaign Deputy Director,
Dr.
Tajudeen Abdul Raheem.He passed away
May 24, 2009 in a road accident in Nairobi.
Dr. Raheem was a prolific writer and activist.His work was a great source of inspiration
and insight. Throughout Africa Action's long history as the oldest
organization
working on U.S.- Africa policy, Dr. Raheem was a regular source for
counsel and
guidance.During Africa Action's annual
Baraza (Kiswahili for "Assembly"), held in Washington, DC, Dr. Raheem
participated in strategic discussions on U.S.-Africa relations.
"Dr. Raheem worked tirelessly towards social, political and economic
justice in Africa.His passion, humor,
and spirit will live on and we honor his vision by continuing our work
in
solidarity with African people,"said
Gerald
LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action.
In the face of insurmountable challenges, Dr.
Raheem
demonstrated great optimism and energy.
In e-mails to Africa Action over the months and years, he
signed: "Don't
agonise, organize!" This simple, but powerful unity message has
resonated
around the world.
UN Millennium Campaign Director Salil Shetty said "Dr.
Tajudeen's towering intellect, moral fibre and courage of conviction
allowed
him to speak truth to power like nobody could. It is ironical that on
Africa
Day (25 May) Africa has lost one of its greatest voices and the
Millennium
Development Goals, its most credible advocate in Africa."
Michael Stulman, Associate Director of Policy and
Communications added that, "We offer our sincerest condolences to
the family
of Tajudeen Abdul Raheem."Tajudeen
was married to Mounira Chaieb and has two daughters, Aisha and Aida.
Africa Action is a national organization that works for political, economic and social justice in Africa. Through the provision of accessible information and analysis combined with the mobilization of public pressure we work to change the policies and policy-making processes of U.S. and multinational institutions toward Africa. The work of Africa Action is grounded in the history and purpose of its predecessor organizations, the American Committee on Africa (ACOA), The Africa Fund, and the Africa Policy Information Center (APIC), which have fought for freedom and justice in Africa since 1953. Continuing this tradition, Africa Action seeks to re-shape U.S. policy toward African countries.
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