Wangari Maathai

Born: Apr. 1, 1940 in Kenya

Died: 2011

First women in East/Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree.

Started Green Belt Movement (which has now planted 50+ million trees in Kenya) to reduce poverty & increase environmental conservation while empowering women.

Was named a U.N. Messenger of Peace and was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Advocated for democracy, education, women’s rights & the environment.

“Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect.”