CURB: 'Mandela was a beacon for racial justice & respect'

Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspiring and iconic figures of our age, beloved by many around the world and, over his 27 years in prison, he became a potent symbol for justice and freedom. 

For CURB he stood as a beacon for racial justice, respect, authenticity, courage, empowerment and effectiveness, all values that CURB hold dear. He was also a humble man, and never forgot the people whom he worked so hard to empower and raise up. 

As we mourn, we also honour and celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life. We remember that through diversity, opposition, imprisonment and threat of death and injury, the authorities in South Africa were unable to keep his spirit and his inspiration from fueling the fires of resistance to injustice among his people. He inspired people from around the world to fight against racism, prejudice and discrimination. 

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the struggle of the African people, and as he said at his trial in Rivonia in 1963, prior to being given life imprisonment, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” 

Nelson Mandela’s story is also one of hope, love and humility, and he taught us that we do not have to accept the world as it is… and that we can each do our part to make the world a better place. His was a passionate voice for reconciliation and he never lost sight of this goal despite all he had endured. 

As we contemplate a world without this great man we must remember what he stood for and know that the greatest way we can honour his memory is for each and every one of us to continue to work against injustice wherever we see it. 

We salute you Madiba, and hold you in our hearts forever. 

Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda.