The Vision of Wangari Maathai, a film by Lisa Merton and Alan Dater



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Timeline of Key Events

1895-1902
British arrive in Kenya; Mombasa/Uganda Railroad is established.
1940
Wangari Muta Maathai is born, Central Highlands, Kenya.
1952
The Land Freedom Army fights colonial rule. The first prolonged, armed liberation struggle against colonialism in Africa, it is called the “Mau Mau Emergency” by the British.
1960
Wangari wins a Kennedy scholarship and begins university education in the United States (through 1966).
1963
Jomo Kenyatta is named first prime minister of Kenya.
1964
Republic of Kenya is formed; Kenyatta becomes president.
1966
Wangari Maathai becomes research assistant at University of Nairobi
1969
Wangari Muta Maathai marries Mwangi Mathai.
1971
Wangari Maathai becomes first woman to receive a PhD in East & Central Africa.
1971
Wangari Maathai has first of three children.
1977
Green Belt Movement founded by Wangari Maathai.
1977
UN Conference on Desertification held.
1978
President Kenyatta dies; Vice-President Daniel arap Moi appointed president.
1979
Wangari Maathai divorces.
1982
President Moi establishes one-party state.
1982-92
Opposition groups suppressed; many political arrests & imprisonments.
1989
Times Tower project in Uhuru Park announced; protests organized by Green Belt Movement.
1992
Times Tower fence taken down; development project cancelled.
1992
February: Freedom Corner March – Women’s vigil and protest for imprisoned sons starts in Uhuru Park and continues for 11-months in All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. Call for multi-party elections.
1992
Civic and Environmental Education workshops by the Green Belt Movement begin in response to tribal clashes prior to elections.
1992
December: First multi-party elections held in 26 years; Moi claims victory.
1998
Karura Forest privatization protested.
1998
Green Belt Movement starts planting only indigenous trees.
2002
Multi-party elections; Moi defeated and a coalition government is elected advocating reforms.
2002
Wangari Maathai elected to Parliament with 98% of the vote.
2004
Wangari Maathai awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

For more information on Wangari Maathai’s life and the Green Belt Movement, please see www.greenbeltmovement.com.

Taking Root Film

a film by
Lisa Merton and Alan Dater

Marlboro Productions

Marlboro, Vermont

 802-257-0743
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