Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia, will be the first Balfour president to reside and work at Boston University for one year, after being appointed by the Boston University African Presidential Archives and Research Center.
The 78-year-old Kaunda was selected from an exclusive list of former African heads of state, including Nelson Mandela, according to Charles Stith, director of the APARC.
The APARC, in association with the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation will invite one former president each year to share his or her insights on African politics and economy with BU students, faculty and the Greater Boston community.
Stith headed the selection process and traveled throughout Africa to discuss possible candidates with African leaders. Many names came into consideration and fit the criteria, but none were comparable to Kaunda, according to Stith.
“Kaunda is singularly unique,” Stith said. “There is really no one with the same view of history that he has.”
Stith, who called Kaunda a “man for all seasons,” praised his numerous accomplishments and attitude.
“He is a figure of towering significance in Africa,” Stith said. “For being one of the earliest leaders to push democracy on the continent, he is humble, personable, kind and considerate as well.”
Kaunda was a primary founder and participant in the African National Congress from 1951 to 1958 and established the Zambian African Union in 1958. He became the first president of the Republic of Zambia at its independence in 1964, until November of 1991. During this period, Zambia was a safe haven for liberation movements in South Africa, according to Stith.
Kaunda, in a message posted on his website, said his 27-year presidency consisted of “fighting a war for the improvement of the welfare of my fellow human beings.”
“He was the first president to establish a multi-party election system,” Stith said. “And when he was not re-elected, he willingly stepped down.”
During his stay, Kaunda will lecture and actively engage with students at BU, as well as hold conventions throughout Boston to discuss current foreign policies between the United States and Africa.
Kaunda said he also intends to form a special conference to discuss Genetic Seed and its possible role in diminishing hunger in Africa. With the help of a grant from Delta Airlines, Kaunda will also hold these discussions throughout the nation while residing at BU.
The APARC is planning to send him to New York, Washington, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Kansas City.
“We want to send him to the major cities as well as some places African presidents don’t usually visit in order to gain new insight on the African point of view, historically and contemporarily,” Stith said. “Especially after Sept. 11, there is a greater need for America to understand other cultures. It makes us better citizens.”
Kaunda’s impending arrival on Sept. 20 has already generated interest all over the world, according to Stith.
“Boston University is the only school to have a program like this,” Stith said. “Which sends a clear message that BU is still committed to be at the epicenter of study and discussion about Africa.”
BU boasts one of the oldest African Studies programs in the nation, which Stith believes will be a complement to the Balfour residency program.
“This puts the center at a position to be in major discussions on African policy and to play a role in the democratization of Africa,” Stith said.
Stith said he also wants to encourage BU students to take part in this unique opportunity.
“Students should take avail,” Stith said. “Having Kaunda here should demonstrate what a world class university they attend.”
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