The Day Nelson Mandela Died
I think I was in the seventh grade when I first read long walk to freedom by Nelson Mandela. I obtained it from my class teacher who offered to lend it to anyone interested. I'd heard of apartheid before and was well informed regarding Nelson Mandela's deeds. I decided to borrow the book nonetheless for reading in my leisure time. This book proved to be inspirational and brought a drastic change to my outlook on life.
Volumes of books and countless articles have been published on Nelson Mandela's life, I will not drain your interest by stating his biographical information. This eulogy serves to relate why Nelson Mandela's life had such a powerful effect on me and what we can all learn from this great man. Nelson Mandela stood up to the oppressive apartheid system which defined the world he lived in. How often do we doubt our inherent ability to change the world around us? We can all be like Nelson Mandela, all it takes is bravery and standing firm for what you believe. You can be an advocate for positive change in whatever sphere you find yourself in. Don't be intimidated by circumstance or opposition from others. Good can only come once we are ready to stand up to evil and shout enough is enough!!
Often we look at numbers believing it takes a whole army to correct an injustice. People like Mandela and his comrades did not have the advantage of a large well equipped army to oust the apartheid regime. They utilized their voices in protests declaring they opposed the racist practices by the then ruling government. Their voices could not be eternally silenced and eventually freedom was theirs. Freedom is our fundamental right and if ever it is being infringed upon we ought to protest and voice our discontent.
Rest in peace Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and all those whose blood, toil and tears secured the freedoms we all enjoy today. You may be at rest now but your legacy lives on.
Bryzo '13
