Gary Schulze, an early Peace Corps Volunteer to Sierra Leone and later a naturalized citizen of the West African nation, has passed away. Schulze was part of the first contingent of Peace Corps Volunteers to arrive in Sierra Leone in 1961, marking the beginning of a long association with the country. His commitment to Sierra Leone was further solidified in 2019 when he became a naturalized citizen. His enduring dedication to the nation spanned decades, encompassing cultural preservation, educational initiatives, and philanthropic endeavors.
Early Service and Cultural Foundation
Gary Schulze joined the inaugural contingent of Peace Corps Volunteers dispatched to Sierra Leone in 1962. His arrival was part of the pioneering effort to establish the Peace Corps program in the newly independent nation. During his service, he took on teaching roles at the Albert Academy in Freetown, where he instructed students in Government, Art, and Civics. He brought a transformative approach to education, recognizing the importance of local history and culture. His first year at the academy saw him implement a significant curriculum change, shifting the focus from European History to African History, thereby grounding the students' education in their own heritage. This change reflected his early understanding of the importance of cultural identity and historical relevance in education.
In his second year as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Schulze played a key role in the establishment of the Sierra Leone Museum. This initiative was undertaken at the recommendation of Dr. John Karefa-Smart, a prominent Sierra Leonean statesman, and Schulze worked alongside Dr. M.C.F. Easman to bring the museum to fruition. Their collaborative efforts laid the foundation for a vital institution dedicated to preserving the nation's cultural artifacts and historical narratives. A key suggestion from Schulze during this period was to commission a statue of Bai Bureh, a revered national hero, a proposal that Dr. Easman endorsed. The importance of this statue was later recognized when a picture of it was featured on Sierra Leone’s Le1,000 bank note, symbolizing its significance in the national consciousness. Schulze's foresight in advocating for this monument showed his deep appreciation for Sierra Leonean history and its heroes.
Schulze also served as the Secretary to the Sierra Leone Monuments & Relics Commission, indicating his ongoing dedication to preserving the nation's heritage. In this capacity, he worked to identify, protect, and promote Sierra Leone's historical sites and cultural treasures. His commitment to historical preservation was further demonstrated in 2013 when he located and brought to Sierra Leone the only known existing photograph of Bai Bureh, ensuring its return to the country. This effort was a testament to his personal investment in repatriating and safeguarding national patrimony.
Recognition and Deepening Ties
Gary Schulze received significant recognition for his dedication to Sierra Leone, beginning in 2013 when he was installed as Honorary Critical Chief Pieh Gbabyior Caulker of Kagboro Chiefdom. This honor was a profound acknowledgment of his contributions and his integration into the fabric of Sierra Leonean society. The following year, his contributions were further acknowledged when President Koroma awarded him the Order of The Rokel (OOR), Sierra Leone’s highest civilian honor, at State House. President Koroma formally made Schulze an Officer of the Order of the Rokel during the Awards and Insignia Ceremony on Monday, April 28, 2014. This prestigious award recognized his exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the people and development of Sierra Leone.
Schulze's ties to the nation deepened considerably in 2017, when President Koroma granted him Sierra Leonean citizenship at State House. This naturalization marked a culmination of decades of involvement and advocacy for the country, formally recognizing him as a son of Sierra Leone. During this significant event, Schulze also presented two copies of the restored Bai Bureh photo to President Koroma at State House, a significant cultural contribution that further cemented his legacy as a guardian of Sierra Leonean history.
The photo of Bai Bureh, which Schulze had located and returned to Sierra Leone, was originally taken in 1898 in Ascension Town. At that time, Bai Bureh and King Prempeh I of Ashanti were being held prisoner there by the British, a historical detail that added to the photograph's immense significance. Beyond his cultural and honorary roles, Schulze also participated in the country's democratic processes, serving as an election observer for Sierra Leone’s Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 1996. His involvement in monitoring the elections showed his commitment to good governance and the democratic aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people. His various roles showed a profound and enduring commitment to Sierra Leone.
Enduring Legacy and Continued Support
Gary Schulze died yesterday in his native New York City, concluding a life marked by deep engagement with Sierra Leone. He served on the board of the National Peace Corps Association, extending his commitment to the organization that first brought him to the West African nation. This role allowed him to continue advocating for the values and mission of the Peace Corps and to support fellow volunteers globally. Schulze often described himself as "an avid collector of traditional African art," a passion that complemented his efforts to preserve Sierra Leonean culture and heritage. This interest informed many of his contributions to the country's cultural institutions, providing him with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artistic expressions of the continent.
Until he experienced medical problems, Schulze regularly traveled to Sierra Leone on an annual basis, maintaining personal connections and overseeing various projects. These annual visits were not merely social calls but opportunities to engage directly with the communities he supported and to assess the impact of his efforts. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, he continued his advocacy for Sierra Leone by compiling and disseminating links to news stories about the country via email, ensuring ongoing awareness and support from his network. This proactive communication kept the challenges and needs of Sierra Leone in the minds of his extensive network of contacts. He consistently helped fund charities in Sierra Leone for as long as his health permitted, demonstrating his sustained philanthropic dedication. These efforts included support for various community initiatives and direct aid to individuals in need, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the well-being of the Sierra Leonean people. His philanthropic endeavors extended to education, as he served as Vice President of The Magic Penny, an NGO operating a primary school in the Moyamba District, directly impacting the lives of countless children through education.
Tributes and Reflections
Gary Schulze served as a Board Member for Friends of Sierra Leone (FoSL), an organization that issued a statement regarding his passing. "On behalf of the FoSL Board, it’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a FoSL Board Member, Mr. Gary Schulze," the FoSL Board said, adding, "Gary exemplifies the meaning of Servant Leadership. He’ll be missed dearly. May his precious soul rest in perfect peace. More information on funeral or memorial services will be communicated soon." This sentiment reflected the deep respect and admiration held for him by his colleagues. Schulze shared a 65-year friendship with fellow Peace Corps Volunteer Jim Sheahan, with whom he had lived. Their enduring friendship was a testament to the bonds forged during their formative years of service.
In 2013, Schulze reportedly came across a photo album from a British military officer who served in Sierra Leone and elsewhere in the late 1800s. Recognizing its historical value, he then tracked the successful bidder and purchased the album for over $11,000 using his retirement savings. This extraordinary act of personal sacrifice noted his unwavering commitment to historical preservation, ensuring that significant pieces of Sierra Leone's past were not lost to private collections abroad but made accessible for study and appreciation. Schulze also served as Vice President of The Magic Penny, an NGO operating a primary school in the Moyamba District, further demonstrating his dedication to education and community development. In addition to his extensive work related to Sierra Leone, Schulze was a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force in New York City, showcasing his commitment to public service in his native country as well. His life was a remarkable tapestry of service, cultural advocacy, and unwavering friendship, leaving an indelible mark on both Sierra Leone and his home country.
