Memorial Service for Steve McDonald, former Director of the Wilson Center Africa Program

On March 13, 2019, more than 130 family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Wilson Center, in Washington, D.C., and at the Liliesleaf Foundation in South Africa for a memorial service to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Steve McDonald, the former Director of the Wilson Center Africa Program. Steve was deeply rooted in Africa and the United States, and this memorial honored the tremendously positive impact that he had on both. Speakers in the United States and Africa eulogized Steve and reflected on his life and contributions, and spoke of his dedication to and love for his family, his deep love for Africa, and his commitment to justice and equality. In this regard, many noted his critical contributions to establishing the Africa Program at the Wilson Center, his groundbreaking contributions to peacebuilding in Africa—particularly in the Great Lakes region and West Africa, and his contributions to the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Speakers also highlighted Steve’s mentorship of the next generation of African leaders and Africanists, and his ability to bring together people of all backgrounds.