Kizito D. Kalima
Tutsi Survivor • 1994 Genocide in Rwanda
Early Life in Rwanda
Kizito D. Kalima was born in 1979 in Nyanza, Rwanda, to Denis and Cecilia Kalima. He is the youngest of ten children, nine of whom survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. His father was an administrator and teacher for local schools, and his mother served as a health advisor to the surrounding community. As Tutsis were stereotyped to be taller than Hutus, Kizito’s height (6’9”) was the subject of considerable racist mockery among his Hutu classmates.
Survival of the Genocide against the Tutsi
The Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 1994. The Kalimas were separated, and many in the family—including both of Kizito’s parents—were killed. After surviving a massacre in which he was hacked with a machete and left for dead in a pile of bodies, along with several other close calls, Kizito survived the genocide with a few relatives by hiding in swampland until they were liberated by the Rwandan Patriotic Front in late July 1994.
Displacement and Discovery Through Basketball
Displaced by the genocide and without knowledge of surviving family members, Kizito found refuge in sports. He played basketball in surrounding African countries, where his exceptional ability was noticed by a Ugandan amateur team. A basketball tournament in 1998 provided the opportunity to travel to the United States, where he remained to attend high school and college.
Advocacy, Leadership, and Public Speaking
Kizito is the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, an active public speaker, and an advocate for genocide survivors. He has spoken at schools, churches, community gatherings, and international events, including the United Nations 20th Commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda in 2014. He is the author of two books about his experiences during the Genocide: Interventions Divine! Angels in the Life of a Genocide Survivor and My Forgiveness, My Justice: Overcoming the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.
Life Today and Ongoing Legacy
Kizito now lives in Indianapolis with his daughter and has two adopted Rwandan daughters, themselves genocide survivors. His story is represented in the Spagat Family Voices of Genocide Exhibition at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.
