I know I am quite tardy with this post, but I thought it was too important of a post to pass up.
On December 5, 2013, the world lost an extraordinary human being – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – Madiba. Last week Friday, we discussed the many accomplishments and contributions of Madiba and watched a short, YouTube video on his life.
I found this article on http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/05/world/africa/nelson-mandela/ and thought it fitting to share:
Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa’s symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.
That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.
He died Thursday night at age 95.
His message of reconciliation, not vengeance, inspired the world after he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and urged forgiveness for the white government that imprisoned him.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison,” Mandela said after he was freed in 1990.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” South African President Jacob Zuma said. “What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.”
His U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, echoed the same sentiment.
“We’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth,” Obama said. “He no longer belongs to us — he belongs to the ages.”
Mandela became the nation’s conscience as it healed from the scars of apartheid.
“I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries,” he said. “The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.” Nelson Mandela
