Spartan Echo News
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Ndaba Mandela (continued)
the vote is central to our demovary”. Madela emphasized the student's responsibility to carry the torch of change to impact the next generation, adding, “Every generation has to fight for the next."
In adjunction to empathizing with the next generation, on the topic of “Black Lives Matter” Mandela stressed the importance of taking back our movement as a people to make the outside world acknowledge the struggle blacks in America and the world are still facing by saying, “It’s not about all lives, because not all lives were persecuted—black people were lynched—don’t let them downplay our movement, it’s not a question or a debate, you cannot equate All Lives Matter to Black Lives Matter.”
As the grandson of such an influential leader, Mandela expressed that from a very young age he was held to a higher standard yet that standard pushed him to be the best version of himself. The pressure that was given to him turned into passion. Inspiring the audience he stated, “Our young black people have come from such darkness, we know that inside of them lives the light, and we want them to unleash the light onto the world.”
Mandela believes that every person has the ability to stand against racism and prejudice. Emphasizing our responsibility as a people he said, “Whenever the ugly head of racism or prejudice raises you need to punch it straight in the face or put a karate chop in the neck!” Going into various real world examples, Mandela put the pressure on the audience to continue to fight for equality and for change.
In relation to current events Mandela also addressed the war in Palestine by making parallels to the Jim Crow Era and the Apartheid in South Africa. Making it known that we as a people must overcome fear and stand up for the voiceless he stated, “Whenever atrocities have been committed we need to highlight those atrocities that have been committed. We cannot let other human beings suffer while we are living in
heaven– we have a moral obligation to be a voice for those who cannot be a voice for themselves.”
To Mandela, a way for one to use their voice is by making their way to the polls, again he stressed the importance of voting, not only for the presidential election, but for the state and local elections. Emphasizing representation matters he said, “We need to stand up and be counted when the election comes–you need to make your voice heard, you need to stand up!” Inspiring the audience Mandela led the audience in an active chant.
As the leader of Africa Rising and with a passion of uplifting the perception of black culture, the hot topic of perception of HBCUs credibility to the outside world was brought up and his response highlighted the importance of shining a light on the successes that alumni achieve post-graduation. “You have to highlight all the positive things about the university and make sure they (meaning the outside world) sees it. Wherever there is a lot of black people, there is a lot of talent.”
In his native language he stated “a luta continua” meaning “the struggle continues." Although the struggle continues, Ndaba Mandela continues to inspire and invoke change in the black community through one initiative at a time. Also by leaving words of encouragement and by spreading love for all, keeping the legacy of his grandfather alive and well.