7 Champions of Change For International Day of Peace

In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 21st, The International Day of Peace. It's not only a time to remember the ideals the day represents but also a moment to reflect on influential people throughout history who have left their mark by striving for the betterment of humanity. What better way to commemorate this holiday than to reflect on the achievements of Black men that have helped change lives and earned the well-deserved Nobel peace prize. Here are a few unforgettable trailblazers who helped paved the way for future generations.

In 1964 civil rights activist leader and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel peace prize for inspiring a movement against racial injustice.

Political scientist, academic, and diplomat Ralph Bunche was the very first African American to receive the award for acting as a mediator in Palestine during the late 1940s. The honor was bestowed upon Bunche in 1950.

Anglican Bishop and South African activist Desmond Tutu defied racial division during the '80s and was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1984. Tutu also became the first African American Archbishop of South Africa and the primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first president from 1994 to 1999 and won the Nobel peace prize during 1993 for being an influential force in challenging apartheidism.

Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan was honored as a co-recipient of the award in 2001 for his efforts as the founder of The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Former US president Barack Obama received the Nobel peace prize in 2009 for his endeavors “to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” Obama also made history as the first African American president.

Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali is the most recent recipient of the Nobel peace prize. Abiy Ahmed received the award in 2019 for "for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea."

Photo Credit: Nobel Prize.org /Nobel Media-A. Mahmoud

Sources: blackamericaweb.com/NewsOne.com/Nobel Prize.org