'He sought to build bridges': Turner remembers Desmond Tutu

The passing of the South African cleric who fought against that nation's systematic segregation policies leaves the world with many lessons, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a social media post.

South African Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu, best known for his work to help dismantle apartheid in his home country, died Dec. 26 at the age of 90.

"Our city, nation and the world was saddened to hear of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s passing," Turner said in his Twitter post the same day. "He sought to build bridges and bring together individuals of all backgrounds. May we build upon the lessons he taught while striving to build upon the strength that binds us together."

Turner's post included a graphic with an image of Tutu later in his life, his birth and death dates, and a quote from Tutu, "Do your little bit of good where you are. It's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world!"

Turner, who also is president of the African American Mayors Association, is in his final term as Houston mayor. Turner could not run for re-election because of term limits.

Born in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, in 1931, Tutu was the son of a teacher and educated himself through high school before he entered the religious life in 1960, according to his Nobel Prize bio. He held many honorary doctorates from prominent institutions in the U.S., the U.K. and Germany.

Tutu's death was reported by news outlets around the world. In its coverage, Reuters referred to Tutu as "the anti-apartheid hero" who fought for a "Rainbow Nation" and "was revered as his nation's conscience by both black and white." Reuters also remarked that Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 "in recognition of his non-violent opposition to white minority rule."

A decade later, Apartheid ended and Tutu became chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established to investigate atrocities committed during the racist regime.

"Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend and a moral compass for me and so many others," former President Barack Obama said in Reuter's coverage. "He never lost his impish sense of humor and willingness to find humanity in his adversaries."