A tribute to Rosa Jiménez Ahumada, Colombian peace educator

The first time I met Rosa was in Cartagena, Colombia. We were introduced by our mutual friend Ricardo Esquivia. At the time, Rosa was participating on the coordinating committee for what was emerging as the Espacio Regional. This was an effort to coordinate across sectors, social movements, and issue-focused networks in ways that would permit the Caribbean region to create stronger relationships and cohesive action as its peoples navigated the many challenges emergent from a fifty-year war that had left a long legacy of violence, trauma, and injustices. Ricardo had forewarned me that “Profesora Rosita” was a powerhouse and would have much to talk about. Three things stand out from that first meeting and the many that we had over years since.

Ricardo was right…