There really are no words to sufficiently describe the enormity of this day - the Legacy of the man speaks for itself. And while it is a sad day in our nation's history, all of us are indeed privileged to have lived in the era of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
His commitment to the children of South Africa and to issues of social justice for the most vulnerable in our society is a powerful reminder of the role we are all called to play as academics and professionals working in the areas of disability and early childhood. In his own words:
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children"
"Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression"
"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is a protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life"
It is surely then of one like him to whom Shakespeare was referring when he wrote the following:
“When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
-William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet
Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013
Please feel free to add your own tribute in the comments section below.
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