RIP NELSON MANDELA

Submitted by ub on

NELSON MANDELA
Born: July 18, 1918, Umtata, South Africa
Died: December 5, 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa

He was the greatest world leader of his time, according to people who knew and dealt with him.

The former South African President died at age 95 of complications from a recurring lung infection.

This anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate was a beloved figure all over the world and a true symbol of global reconciliation.

Mandela guided S Africa from the shackles of apartheid to multiracial democracy, as an icon of peace who ultimately came to embody the struggle for justice around the world.

As an avid boxer during his youth, Nelson Mandela was not the weapon that was ultimately used to knock out and crush apartheid and unite South Africans into a rainbow nation.

Mandela's commitment to reconciliation and his deep understanding of how it is the cornerstone of equity and justice echoes our work. At APIAHF, we dedicate ourselves to the struggles of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, as well as the broader community. We fight to stamp out health disparities. We fight for equality in health and equal opportunities for all.

Like Mandela's work, our work at City Island Images is opening doors for undeserved communities. We are facing the challenges in health equity head on and tackling them step by step. Though our work is far from over, we are helping to bridge the gaps in health and health care.

Holding steadfast to our goal and commitment of equality is the best way we can honor Mr. Mandela. So let us take a moment to reflect on his unprecedented accomplishments, life and unbreakable spirit and continue the mission.

Now, according to tradition, there will be 10 days of national mourning followed by a memorial service to be held Dec. 10 at a Johannesburg public arena.