Kimmie Weeks ‘01
NMH Alumni Liberian Human Rights Activists Returns
By Isabel Hunt ‘26
Photo from NMH Flickr
Kimmie Weeks ’01, a Liberian human rights activist, recently visited NMH as part of the school’s guest speaker programming and shared his powerful story with the NMH community at an all-school meeting.
Nithya Prakash, a Religious Studies Teaching Fellow, was particularly struck by the sudden tragedy that turned his life upside down. Liberia, once a thriving economy, succumbed to the ravages of civil war, which disrupted Kimmie’s family and forced him to adapt rapidly at just nine years old. Prakash said “everything can come and go,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.
In the classroom, Weeks further elaborated on his life experiences as a refugee. He detailed the struggles of being a sick child crammed into a university campus in Liberia. He was pronounced dead and tossed onto a pile of bodies, experiencing starvation and thirst. Prakash recognized how Kimmie’s pain stripped him of his dignity and praised his ability to preach a message of change and resilience. She found his journey from being a pronounced-dead refugee to a successful advocate setting up libraries and computer labs in Liberia inspiring.
His positive outlook and energy left an indelible mark on Prakash, even amid unimaginable hardship. She marveled at his presence, saying, “Wow, that’s the comeback of a century right there.”
Prakash also thought that he was a role model for students. His success story served as a powerful example that NMH students could be successful changemakers, using the education they receive and making a difference in the world.
Prakash emphasized his significance as the inaugural speaker in the alumni fellows program and how his visit gave students a unique opportunity for face-to-face engagement that extended beyond the traditional lecture format.
A history and social Science teacher, Tim Relyea, echoed Prakash’s sentiments. He talked about how he appreciated Kimmie’s willingness to share personal experiences and how he loved Kimmie’s message of choosing to find hope in the face of life’s challenges.
Weeks’ visit to NMH has undoubtedly left an indelible imprint on the community. His narrative and a message of hope and activism resonated deeply with students and faculty alike. As NMH continues its alumni fellows program, Kimmie Weeks stands as a beacon of resilience, illustrating the power of education and determination in overcoming adversity.
