Statement from the Pennsylvania Black Caucus
Harrisburg, Dec. 6 – Following the death of
anti-apartheid icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela,
state Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, D-Phila., chairwoman of the
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and its membership expressed
their condolences and personal sentiments concerning Mandela and his
overall impact upon the global community.
A voice for countless minorities across the globe, Mandela spent 27
years in prison for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government
which accorded the white minority of South Africa total control of the
government.
“World pressure forced his release in 1990,” Brown said. “Once freed,
Mandela reassumed his role as a powerful voice and the face for social
equality in South Africa. His courage and leadership in the face of
adversity are the qualities that I most admired in him.
“As a result of the power and influence amassed by Mandela, he was
able to achieve the extraordinary feat of winning the first truly open
election in South Africa, and tirelessly spent his presidency
reconciling the racial disparities in his country. He truly has left the
world, and especially his home of South Africa, in a better place.”
"The world has lost a champion for justice and social equality, a
man who wholeheartedly believed that 'social equality is the only basis
of human happiness,'" said state Sen. Shirley Kitchen, D-Phila. “While
we mourn for the loss of his physical self, Nelson Mandela's work and
impact – on a global level – has immortalized him. May he not only be
fondly remembered for his courage, tenacity and spirit of kindness and
love for all, but for his overall doctrine on humanity. May what he
lived and fought for be embodied in us all."
Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., recalled meeting Mandela years ago: “I
will forever remember Nelson Mandela with two words: fearlessness and
forgiveness. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives honored him
earlier this year for his lifelong dedication to building a more
equitable and united world with House Resolution 373, and I was blessed
to have met him briefly more than 20 years ago when he came to
Philadelphia to receive the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, fittingly, at
Independence Hall. Some leaders boycotted the ceremony. I did not. If
Nelson Mandela could find the strength to forgive those who jailed him
for nearly a third of his life, then I could, too. It is difficult for
me to convey the grace, the inner strength and dignity that Mandela
exuded during our brief encounter. I remain in awe of the man and his
message. May he rest in peace, but his inspiration forever burn
brightly.”
“While this is certainly a sad time for many throughout the global
community, this also serves as an optimum opportunity for us to
highlight and reemphasize the importance of Nelson Mandela’s
extraordinary story,” said state Rep. Cherelle Parker, D-Phila. “Sadly,
believe it or not, there are many people within our society who do not
possess a firm grasp of Nelson Mandela’s many and invaluable
contributions to our world, and that the impact deriving from those
efforts had and has no boundaries. As such, I have no doubt that his
legacy will remain an enduring one.”
State Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Phila., remembered Mandela’s courage.
"Nelson Mandela was not only a powerful leader for the people of South
Africa, but an example to all humanity throughout the world. He was, and
will continue to be, the epitome of selflessness, sacrifice and
courage, not only as a political prisoner amid some of the worst
oppression in our modern time, but also as a leader who understood the
need to heal the wounds of all citizens he was elected to represent. He
transformed the world as a powerful force for peace and democracy, and
all of humankind is forever changed."
State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., vividly recalls the movement
itself. “I worked with the late state Rep. David P. Richardson Jr. and
others to raise money for the anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa.
We supported Mandela and the movement 100 percent! Here was a man who
fearlessly stood up for his people even when it meant imprisonment.
Mandela withstood inhuman treatment for over 25 years and still came out
victorious! His contributions to the world must never be forgotten and
his name must be raised as a beacon of light for all who seek freedom
and justice.”
“Nelson Mandela was a seminal figure in world history,” said state
Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila. “Perhaps his most remarkable achievement
was his ability to transform South African society, which was
totally divided along lines of race, and create a new multi-racial
society full participation and opportunity for all racial groups.
“When I visited South Africa in 2005, I was struck by how well
integrated cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, cities from which
Black Africans have been excluded, had become in a very short period of
time.”
