AFFORD mourns loss of Trustee Efua Taylor

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of AFFORD’s former Board Member Efua Taylor.

Efua Taylor left us on the 15th December 2018 at the age of 80 years old. Efua Taylor was an active and integral part of AFFORD’s board for 11 years from 2003 to 2014, mainly serving as Secretary. A caring and committed figure, she devoted a large part of her life to charitable and volunteering activities, including being on the board of Voluntary Action Camden for 20 years, and the board of Age Concern Camden between 2002-2005. Never slowing down, she enrolled in an alternative therapy degree course at Middlesex University in her 70s, showing great passion for the subject and enjoying re-entering student life. We remember her as a source of great knowledge about Pan-African history, and she saw her contribution to AFFORD through this prism of delivering effective grassroots Pan Africanism. Efua contributed immensely to the development and governance of AFFORD, especially between 2008/12, during a period of transition for the organisation. We offer our deep condolences to her children and other family members.

Please see statements from AFFORD’s trustees below:

 In July 2018, Efua Florence Martha Kurankyiwa Taylor celebrated her 80th birthday. Efua was a Development Officer who devoted a good part of her life to volunteering and charitable activities. She was a trustee and board member of AFFORD for 11 years from 2003 to 2014, for most of that time serving as Secretary. She was on the board of Voluntary Action Camden for 20 years from 1995 to 2015. She also served on the board of Age Concern Camden between 2002-2005. In her 70s, she enrolled on a degree course in alternative therapy at Middlesex University, enjoying student life and showing great passion for the subject.  

Efua contributed immensely to the development and governance of AFFORD, especially between 2008/12, when AFFORD underwent a transition. I have very fond memories of her, me going through her vast selection of herbal teas at her flat in Finchley. But mostly, I remember her for her patience and commitment, caring nature and steadfast support. As chair of AFFORD, we depended on her calm and good counsel. May her soul rest in perfect peace .

Gibril Faal

Efua first came into contact with AFFORD when we ran the “Africans without borders: Development from a distance?” evening adult education course in partnership with Birkbeck College, University of London. While Efua was probably the oldest course participant, I seem to recall that Yinka was the youngest. They both proceeded to get more involved with AFFORD. Efua was a live link with some of our esteemed Pan-Africanist forebears, those who challenged British colonial rule across the Empire, and who later led their countries to independence. Efua’s father, James Taylor, was a prominent and successful businessperson who supported the course, I think living in Manchester at the time of the 1945 Fifth Pan-African Congress. Efua would have been a young child at the time but she used to fascinate us with tales of sitting on “Uncle Jomo’s lap” (Jomo Kenyatta) and other such luminaries. RIP Efua and thank you for your contributions to AFFORD’s development over many years.

Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie

Efua was such an amazing person – always ready to assist and do what was necessary for AFFORD. She was always interested in the activities and made herself available at key events. I echo Gibril’s comments about her vital role during the period of transition. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Onyekachi Wambu 

This is very sad news indeed, I remember Efua for her loving kindness and resilience- Efua was a mother figure, very knowledgeable and proud to be African. She symbolized stability and strength especially when AFFORD and her own health were going through a trying period. Efua you have fought a good fight, you have finished your race and kept the faith. You may be gone physically, but your legacy will live on. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Martin Osengor

I remember speaking to Efua about Pan-African history, I knew her to be very wise and very knowledgeable. May her soul rest in peace.

Ndidi Njoku

                                                                                                                                                                 

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