As a young child, Nelson Mandela learned of his ancestor’s heroism and dreamed of making his own contribution to the struggle for equality. Those dreams would turn into realities, but would cost him over two decades of freedom.
Many people have strong convictions, but who would actually walk in Mandela’s shoes? The Recorder reached out to various people in the community to find out how far they’d go. One man hoped he’d be willing to follow Mandela’s example and another person said they didn’t know if they could sacrifice their freedom or life for the greater good.
Mandela’s selflessness flourished in 1944 when he joined the African National Congress (ANC).
Because of his activism and persistence in seeking equality, in the 1950s and early ‘60s, Mandela was sentenced to hard labor, banned, arrested for treason, and was detained during a state of emergency following a mass government protest.
Using a false name, in 1962 Mandela left South Africa to gain support for his cause. Upon his return, he was charged with leaving the country illegally and inciting workers to strike.
In October 1963 Mandela stood trial for sabotage. Facing the death penalty, he gave his famous “Speech from the Dock” declaring his willingness to die for freedom and equality.
On June 11, 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for his opposition to apartheid, or racial discrimination, in South Africa and served 27 years behind bars.
Bound but not broken, just hours after his release, Mandela said, “Today, the majority of South Africans, Black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. It has to be ended by our decisive mass action. We have waited too long for our freedom.”
On June 17, 1991, South Africa’s Parliament voted to repeal the legal framework for apartheid. Three years later, Mandela was elected president of South Africa.
Inspired by his tireless efforts to end apartheid, the Recorder asked locals what they’d be willing to sacrifice their freedom for, or in some instances, die for. Following are their responses.
Tammy Butler Robinson, principal of Engaging Solutions – So many thoughts run through my mind – my children, my parents, my husband, my siblings. As I thought about it, my heart raced. Then a peaceful thought entered my mind – we were all born to die and sometimes someone must die that others might live.
Matthew Steward, president of Steward & Associates – “I would like to honor and remember the life and legacy of Mr. Mandela – a life well lived. I hope this community and the world remembers his life and what he fought for. I hope in some measure we can emulate what he went to prison for and what he struggled for throughout his presidency and beyond.
“I hope I’d be willing to go to jail for or give my life for the struggle for humanity. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for that struggle; Mahatma Gandhi gave his life; and so did Nelson Mandela. Their struggle was one of humanity to make sure all people are treated equally and that we look out for those less fortunate than ourselves. They committed their lives to ensure everyone has certain fundamental rights. The world needs to do that as well and make sure all have access to the basics like food, shelter and education.”
Ophelia Wellington, founding director of Freetown Village – “When I started Freetown Village, I had no idea of the sacrifices it would take for me to do this, but it has blessed more people than I know. I have spent over 30 years ‘fighting’ for what I believe is right to help other people. But to sacrifice my freedom for the basic human rights of others, I’d say yes and no. To say I could sacrifice my life for my family, oh, I could do that. But when you’re talking about other people and principles, to what degree would I do that and under what conditions would I continue to do that? Be in jail overnight I could do that, but 27 years? I don’t know.
“I don’t think anybody starts out planning to spend part of their life in prison, but when you have a vision to do something that will benefit others, you just start doing it and make personal sacrifices to sustain it. Once you get started, you begin to see how your efforts benefit other people. That motivates you to keep going.”
Ron Gibson, consultant for MDwise – “I’m a U.S. Navy veteran so I’d be willing to die for my country and my family. I’d die for my country for the freedom in which we ultimately enjoy. There’s nothing like the freedom of America.”
Sahara Williams, president of Enginuity Management and Consulting – “He did the right thing and the consequences of that was for the greater good. I don’t have a specific cause, but I certainly think working toward progress in our community is definitely worth standing for, going to jail for or dying for. But there are small things people can do like stand up to crime in their community or call the police when things happen. It’s about going beyond your space. We all have a legacy that we can leave behind.”
Dr. Eric Yancy, pediatrician – “Coming from the deep South, there was a lot that we did have to sacrifice. I’d certainly sacrifice my freedom and life for my family and those around me that I love. But I find it a little presumptuous to say I’d spend 27 years behind bars for the cause. I think it would diminish what Nelson Mandela accomplished by flippantly saying, ‘I would have done that.’ It takes tremendous commitment to do what he did. I’m not a bad guy, but I’d have to have serious consideration as to whether or not I could make that kind of commitment and sacrifice. I applaud him for that.”
