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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 6, 2013 10:39 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | CONDOLENCE RESOLUTION - HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ANTI-APARTHEID ICON NELSON MANDELA |
| In the very near future, and on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, I will be introducing a resolution recognizing and honoring the life, contributions, and legacy of anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who sadly transitioned from this earth on Thursday, December 5, 2013. World renowned for his indomitable spirit and overwhelming compassion for the overall betterment of humanity, the story of Nelson Mandela and his unfathomable life experiences comprise an extraordinary tale of a man whose humanistic convictions literally resulted in his conviction and imprisonment for 27 harrowing years. Specifically, it was Mr. Mandela’s integral role as a freedom fighter with the African National Congress, whose initial mission was to create a non-racial and democratic South Africa through the utilization of peaceful resistance, that would ultimately result in him being arrested, tried for treason, and sentenced to life in prison. During his incarceration, Mr. Mandela continued to edify himself by earning his law degree and forging the moralistic principles to one day effectively establish a truly democratic government in South Africa. 27 years later and following a serendipitous change in regime, then President Frederik Willem de Klerk, finally released Nelson Mandela from prison. Upon his long overdue release from prison, Mr. Mandela would continue to put pressure on the South African government for constitutional reform, and would be subsequently jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for both his and then President de Klerk’s successful efforts towards dismantling apartheid. On April 27, 1994, against all odds and in a combination of faith, fortune, and destiny, Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first African-American president. During his tenure as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela continued to work tirelessly towards making the South African government a more equitable and democratic body, as well as adeptly promoting racial reconciliation between blacks in whites through the medium of sports. The story of Nelson Mandela is one of legend, but more important is one of reality. That is, Mr. Mandela’s struggles and triumphs both served and continue to serve as a beacon of hope for all of mankind. Therefore, it is with great honor and privilege that I wish to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the profundity of Mr. Mandela’s impact and influence upon our global society. I ask that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle please join me in expressing this deserved sentiment. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this measure, please contact Brandon J. Flood at (717) 772-6955 or BFlood@pahouse.net. |
Introduced as HR582
Memo Updated: December 6, 2013 10:40 AM