Thursday, December 5, 2013

Death of a world renowned leader

South Africa has lost a true gem. Nelson Mandela who became an international icon for his fight against apartheid in South Africa and spent 27 years in prison for defending his cause and led South Africa into democracy as its president, died Dec. 5, 2013 in his home. Mandela was 95.

What I admire most about Mandela's life story is that no matter what, he did not give up the fight for what is right. He, like American Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that "hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." I believe Mandela left a legacy of love covering the continent of Africa and I hope that everyone will embrace his legacy, learn from his life and strive to continue the fight for social justice, hope and peace.