CURB & ADHT Mourn The Loss Of Mandela
“Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda joins all the people of Bermuda in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, and sends love and support to his wife Graca Machel, family and all who love him”, a CURB spokesperson said tonight [Dec 5].
“Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspiring and iconic figures of our age, beloved by many around the world and, over his 27 years in prison, he became a potent symbol for justice and freedom.
“For CURB he stood as a beacon for racial justice, respect, authenticity, courage, empowerment and effectiveness, all values that CURB hold dear. He was also a humble man, and never forgot the people whom he worked so hard to empower and raise up.
“As we mourn, we also honour and celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life. We remember that through diversity, opposition, imprisonment and threat of death and injury, the authorities in South Africa were unable to keep his spirit and his inspiration from fueling the fires of resistance to injustice among his people. He inspired people from around the world to fight against racism, prejudice and discrimination.
“Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the struggle of the African people, and as he said at his trial in Rivonia in 1963, prior to being given life imprisonment, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
“Nelson Mandela’s story is also one of hope, love and humility, and he taught us that we do not have to accept the world as it is… and that we can each do our part to make the world a better place.
“His was a passionate voice for reconciliation and he never lost sight of this goal despite all he had endured. As we contemplate a world without this great man we must remember what he stood for and know that the greatest way we can honour his memory is for each and every one of us to continue to work against injustice wherever we see it. We salute you Madiba, and hold you in our hearts forever.”
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks after the passing of Nelson Mandela:
Also paying tribute to the late human rights icon was the African Diaspora Heritage Trail [ADHT] Bermuda Foundation who said, “Today, the world has lost one of the most brilliant men, one of the most charismatic leaders, one of the most endearing persons with whom we have been fortunate enough to share this life.
“Nelson Mandela was not only a distinguished citizen of South Africa and the African continent, he was an outstanding citizen of the world. Virtually every nation, virtually every community, virtually every individual everywhere on the face of the earth, claimed him as their own; adopted him as their friend, brother, father; and saw him as their leader.
“Today the world mourns the passing of a great inspiration; today the world mourns the loss of the epitome of character, courage and confidence; a man who brought comfort to the weary, peace to the troubled, contentment to the discontented and love to all.
“Today as the world mourns the loss of this outstanding example of humility, we also celebrate the life of this man who lived life in the most exemplary manner.
“Nelson Mandela loved his enemies, blessed those who cursed him, extended hands of friendship and love to those who hated him and prayed for those who persecuted him.
“Neither age nor incursions on his health dampened his resolve to be a positive influence, to make a significant difference, to show Africa and the world that adversity ought not mean defeat and despair.
“The African Diaspora Heritage Trail (Bermuda) Foundation shares the grief that the world now experiences, the sense of loss that we all feel at Mandela’s passing. He will be missed, but he will most certainly be long remembered.
“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.” [Interview for Mandela, 1994]“
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Why mourn his death when he would, (I’m sure) prefer us to celebrate his life?