Biography
Early Life
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu was born in 1960. She was the third child of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. She grew up amidst the challenges of apartheid South Africa. Naomi was born into a family at the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle. She lived in various countries, including Swaziland, the U.S., and England. This broadened her worldview. Her early life was shaped by being “the daughter of” a global icon. This included privileges and challenges. Her early life was also shaped by harsh realities. Being both Black and female in a system of racial oppression was difficult. These experiences ignited her passion for advocating against oppression. She recognized that the entire human family suffers when hate and division are taught and accepted.
Despite her father’s influence, Naomi long resisted the idea of following him into ministry. She often quipped, “I have my father’s nose, I do not want his job.” She channeled her passion for justice into other areas. She worked as a development consultant, educator, and activist for race and gender equality. However, the call to ordained ministry persisted. In her 50s, she accepted that call and entered seminary. She then became an Episcopal priest. Today, Naomi is an ordained minister. She is serving as Associate Rector at All Saints, Beverly Hills. Naomi continues to intertwine her advocacy for justice with her faith. Her father championed healing divisions and promoting reconciliation. Naomi brings the same commitment.
Religious Faith & Activism
Rev. Tutu pursued her education in various countries. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and French from Berea College. She earned a master’s degree in International Economic Development from the University of Kentucky. Early in her career, she worked as a development consultant with Equator Advisory Services. She focused on economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. She also consulted independently in South Africa. Her work focused on improving educational and work opportunities for Black women there. Naomi later founded the Tutu Foundation for Development and Relief in 1985. It provided scholarships and skills training to South African refugees. It helped them find meaningful work in exile and upon returning home. Her work was recognized with honorary doctorates. She received an honorary doctorate from the Universal Orthodox College. It is located in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Throughout her career, Naomi Tutu has held prominent academic and leadership roles. Through them she addresses race, gender, and gender-based violence. She taught African-American Studies at the University of Hartford. She served as a lecturer at the University of Connecticut. She later joined the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. There she focused on gender-based violence and race relations. Naomi also served as Program Coordinator for the Race Relations Institute at Fisk University. There she participated in the historic World Conference Against Racism in Durban. She is also a sought-after speaker. She addresses audiences across business, educational, and civic organizations. She shares her personal experiences growing up under apartheid and her advocacy for social justice.
Naomi has also combined her passion for justice with entrepreneurship. She established Nozizwe Consulting. It brings together diverse groups to learn from their differences and celebrate their shared humanity. She has led Truth and Reconciliation workshops. She has organized educational trips to South Africa for schools, churches, and women’s groups. She facilitates dialogue and understanding across cultures. Her dedication to human rights and social justice has also led her to ordained ministry. She serves as an Episcopal priest in various roles. She is Canon Missioner for Racial and Economic Equity at the Cathedral of All Souls. It is located in Asheville, NC. Naomi is a single mother of two daughters and a son. She continues to inspire change through her work in education, reconciliation, and social justice.
