CLEVELAND - I was in middle school in early 1990 when I first heard of
Nelson Mandela. At the time, his release from a South African prison after 27
long years was making international headlines.
I was forced to take notice.
Upon finding out that Mandela died yesterday at age 95, I
didn’t cry or reflect on the man. I did, however pause and track down the
details online. I never knew exactly what Mandela did for the world, but I do
know that it was significant.
Yes, he was controversial. Yes, many people are labeling him
a communist, terrorist and a racist in their appraisal of his legacy. But I
still marvel at the substantial nature of the man, based on the incredible outpouring
of grief in the U.S. for an African politician.
I know that this may sound irrelevant, but Mandela’s
friendship with the Great Michael Jackson is another element that made him
matter to me. MJ was a huge admirer of his, and was inspired by the enormous
strength that he held his entire life.
A life that was full of adversity.
Back in ’90, I began hearing the word “apartheid” as a
result of Mandela’s mission against it. As it turns out, he made a quest for
racial equality one of the more pre-eminent themes of his life. That will
always be something worth respecting.
Mandela was the first Black president of South Africa and
was a staunch advocate of human rights. Having been bestowed with numerous high
honors (Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom), it is no wonder that
the man is as revered as he is globally. His accomplishments place him on par
with MLK as well as President Obama given the exclusivity of the honors he
received.
He was a true icon.
For those people who are not fully aware of Mandela’s
impact, I will simply say that his life is very much worth celebrating, whether
you felt touched by his efforts or not.
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