The life, example and achievements of Nelson Mandela will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us, as we recognize the capacity of the human spirit to endure deprivation, humiliation and brutality with courage, dignity and grace; and still survive to display magnanimity and compassion, even to one’s former oppressors.
It is significant that we celebrate his life, immediately after, the commemoration of Black History Month when his contribution, not only to the apartheid struggle in South Africa, but to the heightened self-concept of black people all over the world, was highlighted. But Nelson Mandela’s influence extended way beyond his own race, and today, people of all races, in all countries, in all circumstances, can take pride and comfort in the fact that the world had been gifted with the presence of this great man, for almost a century.
Let us remember him and let us each of us be influenced and motivated by his memory to be better and to contribute more, regardless of the circumstances.