A Mandela Tribute with an American Twist

Last night we were back at the Mandela Foundation for another Tribute evening  to celebrate the life and memory of Nelson Mandela. This tribute portrayed a decidedly American perspective.

Not all of it of course. It was once again moderated by David Malupo who has quickly become one of my favorite people in South Africa. (Actually David has a home in West Palm, Beach Florida so there is another American connection!) David introduced Jesse Jackson who was in the house to give his tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

There was music. The Memeza African Choir opened and closed the evening and they were fabulous. But even their music had some American elements. "Aaa-men, Alleluia! Aaa-men, Alleluia! Aa-men. Amen, Amen!" Even Jesse got up to dance!



The keynote speaker was the author and daughter-in-law of the late Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Elinor Sisulu. Her tributes were so moving. Now I have to read the biography she wrote about her famous in-laws!

And then there was Jesse Jackson. He spoke of the parallels between the African-American and the African struggles for equality. The NAACP and the ANC. Martin Luther King, Mandela, and dare I say, Jesus. He was not deifying Mandela. He was saying that whenever anyone stands up for the disenfranchised, the poor, the lowly, the persecuted, they are met with fierce resistance.

They are persecuted themselves. Many times they are martyred, as was the case with Martin Luther King.  
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mandela was able to see his dream fulfilled. King was not.

David once again invited a few members of the audience to get up on the stage and extemporaneously  pay tribute. Naledi Pandor, the SA Minister of Home Affairs, who spoke of the importance of Mandela's government legacy. His important step of including a Bill of Rights along with the first democratic Constitution after he was elected President. Indelible human rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (She had an American accent; I will have to google her life story.)

Jesse embraces the grandsons of Madiba

Two of Madiba's grandsons spoke briefly, one with a definite American accent!

And the new American Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard. Patrick is from Detroit and spoke about his perspective growing up in the projects, listening to Jesse Jackson speak and watching Nelson Mandela change history. He spoke of the effect it had on him during a very formative time in his life.

Viva Madiba! Viva! Viva America! Viva!