U.S. Rep Meeks: Although Nelson Mandela is no Longer With Us, His Legacy as a Visionary, Intellect, Liberation Leader, and Statesman Will Continue to Illuminate the Path of Progress

December 5, 2013

U.S. Rep Meeks: Although Nelson Mandela is no Longer With Us, His Legacy as a Visionary, Intellect, Liberation Leader, and Statesman Will

Continue to Illuminate the Path of Progress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee released the following statement on the passing of President Nelson Mandela:

“Halfway through its tenth decade, the life of Nelson Mandela has come to an end. Although this singular global personality is no longer with us, his legacy as a visionary, intellect, liberation leader, and statesman will illuminate the path of progress as much as his smile lit up our hearts, as much as his will to continue the struggle inspired his nation and the world.

“Because we have for all time the example of Mandela’s long but ultimately victorious journey, which included 27 years of incarceration as a political prisoner — most of it on Robben Island, let no child anywhere in the world believe that he or she, too, cannot triumph, cannot overcome any challenge. And, because of Mandela brilliant leadership and irrepressible dedication to the vision of a multiracial democracy in South Africa that nation was able to bring apartheid to an end, averting retribution and revenge, and instead utilize reconciliation to confront the truth of its past and embrace a destiny of peace, prosperity, and progress as a united nation. Mandela understood and with the moral authority of his sacrifice and suffering and his wisdom he imparted as South Africa’s first black president convinced his South African sisters and brothers of all races and backgrounds that the route to a brighter future and better life required rejecting bitterness. Nelson Mandela’s life reminds us that freedom and democracy are not always a right we are born with but are always worth the fight.

“I will always remember Nelson Mandela’s electrifying visit to New York shortly after his release from prison. I will always cherish having met Nelson Mandela on several occasions — especially the laughter, stories, and insight he shared with me and other members of a congressional delegation during a wonderful lunch at his home. Thank you Madiba for all you have done not only for South Africa but for the world.

“At this moment, my thoughts and prayers are with Nelson Mandela’s family and all the people of South Africa. Know that you have the continued solidarity of the people of the United States. All of us are blessed to have walked in the light of his leadership, to have been inspired by his spirit. All of us, each of our own way and circumstance, should feel obligated to emulate Mandela’s example and adhere to his legacy of service.” [End]