Today in History – 1986: Desmond Tutu elected first black Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Cape Town

September 7th, 1986 
Desmond Tutu, the globally established opponent of the Apartheid and recipient of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize, added further renown to his already impressive philanthropic and religious contributions to South Africa by becoming the first black Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Cape Town.

Tutu, who had received the inaugural Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism early in the year, remained in the position until 1996. He continues to speak to date on the critical theological and social issues afflicting both South Africa and the world.

To learn more about Desmond Tutu and other figures critical to African history, pick up our African History for Beginners.