Dear Reader
It was around this time 11 years ago that I first came to New York City — to report on the 91st birthday celebrations for Nelson Mandela. That was also the year the United Nations declared the 18th of July as International Mandela Day, where people dedicate 67 minutes — based on the 67 years the late Madiba had given to the struggle — in service to others. A concert had been organised at Radio City Music Hall, with Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder headlining, and before that, a dinner in the Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Central, where I met former president Bill Clinton and Morgan Freeman (to date one of my favourite encounters ever). The trip was a special one, for the historic significance, for sure, but also because it was the trip that set in motion my dream of moving to, and living in, New York. Here I am, almost 10 years later, still in love and still committed to making a life for myself in the first US city Mandela visited upon his release from prison, 30 years ago.
Mandela’s legacy is a great and incredible one but it is also complex. However, the act of service and being selflessly dedicated to an ideal bigger than oneself still warrants place in society today. So, in the spirit of Mandela Day, I hope you will do something with your 67 minutes to carry his legacy forward and change the world for the better. Here are a few events happening online:
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) is calling on people around the globe to join them in raising funds for the NMCF by completing a virtual 67km any way you choose, in your own time, virtually. Registration includes a finisher’s medal.
Support Project Playground in their fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Langa and Gugulethu by visiting their online donation store. For each R167 donation, you will receive a unique “Ubunye” beaded bracelet, symbolising unity and togetherness.
The celebrated Ndlovu Youth Choir will perform on Saturday 18th July to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation with a 67-minute live show.
Thank you for reading. I’ll leave you with an episode of The Rundown I made a few years ago, inspired by that trip Madiba made to NY 30 years ago.
Stay safe, stay sane!
Your neighbour
Nadia