Prof:
This is a magical piece, elegant.
TF
From: 'Okafor, Chinyere' via USA Africa Dialogue Series <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>
Date: Monday, July 10, 2023 at 1:15 PM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Micere Mugo - Tribute
Remembering Micere Githae Mugo, Emeritus Professor of Syracuse University by Chinyere Okafor
I knew that it would happen, but I was shocked beyond my expectation when I heard the news of Micere's passing, because not too long ago, in June, she watched and praised our celebration of her birthday. I did not know that it was going to be the last. Ending that celebration on a high note has become my consolation, but I still hurt. I cannot bear the thought of not seeing Micere again in this life. Her presence usually evoked larger than life image, inspired goodness, and enthusiasm for scholarship.
Micere was like the picture of an angel. A gorgeous gele (headscarf) taller than the crown of the queen added panache to her personality. With a genial smile, glowing eyes, and the most beautiful face, her personality projected affability. You cannot help but smile when you see her. She looked like somebody you would trust. She was kind, cheerful and spirited. It was not easy to guess her distinguished status, because she would meet you at your level to make you feel comfortable. I will never forget the day; she called me to her office in Africana Center of Cornell University. She left her chair, sat with me, and tore-praised my budding writing. The kind delivery of her criticism and final words, "keep on the fight with your pen," have remained with me as I said in the dedication page of my novel, Zeb Silhouette. I used to see Micere as physically very tall, but it took me decades to realize that her aura, audacity, and intellectuality elevated her to the high pedestal that overwhelmed my joy whenever I saw her.
This academic ambassador was concerned about social justice and from that basis, she dared to speak truth to power. Part of the truth was communicated through her collaboration with Ngugi wa'Thiongo in writing the play, The Trial of Dedan Kimathi, which is pivotal in engaging the struggle for the freedom of her motherland, Kenya, from colonialism. This first woman Dean of the Faculty of Arts (comprising the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences), University of Nairobi, Kenya, was stripped of her position and her citizenship in 1982. She had to flee the country. Recognizing her creativity, pan-African, and feminist competencies, Zimbabwe welcomed and gave her citizenship. Adept at attracting aliens of extraordinary ability, America came in and she arrived at Cornell University. She later moved to the University of Syracuse where she became a full professor in 1997, and professor emeritus in 2015. Additionally, she was Mother to many people particularly international students without family in America. She was used to this role in Africa. In Eswatini (Swaziland), I taught some students who grew up in her household during the apartheid period. Micere gave her best – writing and speaking against apartheid. She refused to "shut up as a woman," but continued to speak about the oppression of Africans. As a mother, she sheltered some who needed parental anchor. No wonder many people regard her as mother and guardian.
She was blessed with two biological children, Mumbi and Njeri, who absorbed her spirit to the extent of my being confused about who was speaking whenever I phoned their home. Njeri's passing in 2012 was like a boulder, but it did not break her mother. I treasure her taking me aside at ALA conference in 2016 to revisit Njeri's issue. It was touching to hear her wonder why God called "young Njeri" and not her. We felt that there was work for Micere to complete in this life. She signed my copy of her book of essays, …Speaking from the Heart of my Mind. She formed the Pan African Community of Central New York. Micere stood and still stands out for her phenomenal sensitization of Africans and women to issues of political and social justice in Africa and the world. She was a great teacher and mentor, loved by students. Her numerous poems, plays, and essays speak of her advocacy for freedom and human dignity.
This daughter of Africa has done her work and left a rich legacy, which will blossom beyond our imagination. I pray that God consoles and protects her loving daughter, Mumbi, relations and all of us who mourn and miss her. My dear Micere, rest in peace with your Maker, Amen.
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