It was awe-inspiring for me to have been present at the re-dedication of Victoria Falls as a peace park in 2011, and this stunning park has been dedicated once again.
IIPT (The International Institute of Peace through Tourism) is honored to announce the re-naming of the IIPT International Peace Park at Victoria Falls as the IIPT Maya Angelou International Peace Park in recognition of the inspiration and positive influence that the award winning Poet and Author; Television, Film and Stage Director; Teacher, Civil Rights Activist; and Actress has had on persons throughout the world. Dr. Angelou passed quietly in her home on May 28, 2014.
Dr. Angelou’s poems and books have inspired millions of persons throughout the world, in particular her autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” about her early life overcoming racism and trauma by turning to the written word. She has been quoted as saying: “My mission in life is not merely to survive – but to thrive – and to do so with some passion – some compassion – some humor – and some style.”
THE VIDEO SHOWING HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011 DEDICATION
She will long be remembered at the United Nations and by people throughout the world for her insightful poem, “A Brave and Startling Truth” narrated at the United Nations on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. And her tribute to Nelson Mandela – “His Day is Done” – on his passing stirred the hearts of millions in all of Africa and throughout the world.
Please click here for Dr. Maya Angelou’s video recorded tribute to Nelson Mandela, “His Day is Done.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqQzjit7b1w
IIPT Board Chairman, Mr. Timothy Marshall noted, “Dr. Maya Angelou was a resident, lover and supporter of the African continent; having lived and worked in Ghana and Egypt during her early career. She was lovingly welcomed into a leading Ghanaian family, who are still family today. Now as a Global and National Treasure, Humanitarian, and Freedom Fighter for all of Humanity, it is fitting that one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Victoria Falls, should carry her revered and respected name. We are honored and humbled to carry on her Legacy of World Peace with this Tribute. ”
The IIPT International Peace Park was first dedicated as a legacy of the IIPT Third African Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia 2005.
It was re-dedicated in 2011 on the occasion of IIPT’s Fifth African Conference in Zambia and re-dedicated again last August on the Opening Day of the Twentieth General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Taking part in the Re-dedication were Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, first President of Zambia; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO; and King Mukuni of the Leya people on whose land Victoria Falls is located. Six Olive trees from Bethany Beyond the Jordan, baptismal site of Christ and also a UNESCO World Heritage site, were brought to Victoria Falls by H.E. Akel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman, representing His Majesty, King Abdullah II, and planted during the Re-dedication ceremony.
