Losing an Inspirational Leader, Naw Louisa Benson Craig

It is with sadness in our hearts that we share with you the loss of Naw Louisa Benson Craig, an inspirational Karen leader and invaluable member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma family. Yesterday, February 2nd, 2010, Louisa passed away after a long battle with cancer. Our sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Louisa Benson Craig was a truly inspirational role model. For decades, Louisa dedicated herself to both the movement for a free and democratic Burma and the health, safety and betterment of displaced Karen in Burma and around the world. Although Louisa had resettled in the United States, she never wavered in her commitment to the Karen people and the Free Burma movement. During her time as a leader of the Burma Forum and a Board Member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma, Louisa Benson Craig admirably represented the Karen Community, demonstrating a passion and commitment to ethnic unity and democracy in Burma. Louisa understood the unique and arduous challenges that newly resettled Karen refugees face in the U.S., and admirably rose to the challenge by helping found the Karen American Community Foundation.