LULAC Mourns the Passing of Nelson Mandela
December 5, 2013Contact: Paloma Zuleta at PZuleta (at) LULAC.org or 202-833-6130 x. 103
The South African Leader Was Beloved for Helping to End Apartheid and for Being an Outspoken Advocate for Racial Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the world mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, who passed away at the age of 95. LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes issued the following statement.
“Nelson Mandela believed it to be his life’s duty to better the lives of the people of South Africa.
"As part of that duty, he led the movement which ultimately ended apartheid and was elected as South Africa’s first black President. Upon his release, after being imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela noted, 'As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.' It was this resounding belief in forgiveness that set the standard for reconciliation in a country that was left scared and vulnerable to racial tensions by years of apartheid. Through his valiant efforts to rid racial divisions, poverty and inequality in South Africa, Nelson Mandela became a unifying symbol not only for the people of South Africa but for the world. Nelson Mandela’s life’s work should serve as an inspiration to all of us who care about and fight for equal justice for all people.”
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About LULAC:
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.