Hero, Icon, Father - Nelson Mandela

Back in high school I was fortunate enough to have a modern history teacher named Ms. Beckham who opened my eyes to apartheid in South Africa.  I will always be grateful to that white woman who was so passionate about the struggles of millions of black men, women and children.

She taught us about the sacrifice of Nelson Mandela as he fought to free native South Africans from the brutally racist apartheid regime. With tears in my eyes I typed a letter to the editor of The Plain Dealer denouncing the horrible living conditions and slave like existence of millions who were practically enslaved in their own country.  What a thrill it was for me when The Plain Dealer published my letter.  That letter inspired me to become the author I am today.

Nelson Mandela was a freedom fighter equal to none.  He gave up a life of privilege and prestige to fight the greatest battle of his life against institutional racism that forced millions to live a life of poverty and despair.  He was imprisoned for 27 terrible, long years but he never gave up hope or his dignity.

Upon his release from prison he rebuilt South Africa with love and reconciliation.  Many wanted to murder and abuse the whites and give them a taste of what it felt like to be treated as subhuman based on skin color but Mandela was determined to unite the country and not further divide it.

When he was elected President of South Africa I was elated, happy, overjoyed and downright giddy.  When he embarked on his world-wide tour I took my niece with me to Detroit to see the man who had dismantled one of the most oppressive governments in history.

Detroit was scrubbed fresh and looked polished back then.  The entire city was festive and our collaborated heartbeat was felt all over this nation.  Nelson Mandela took the stage to thunderous applause.  We couldn't keep our seats.  We danced and celebrated with our beloved brother who not only survived but thrived and inspired us all to do the same.

His words rang out as he told his story of tragedy and triumph over a system that at the time I believed would never change.  But change it did and Nelson Mandela was the catalyst that made it all possible.

So rest in peace Tata (father).  Rest with the angels.  Rest knowing that your impact on the world will never be forgotten.