The rock quarry where Madiba was forced into hard labor for many years
Entrance to the cell where Madiba was confined
***
Madiba’s prisoner ledger
***
***
***
A collection of images of Nelson Mandela – past to present – ranging from a prisoner ledger, newspapers upon his release, and statues/murals erected in his honor.
LovelyPlains, I was mesmerized by the wonderful pictures and inspiring words. I remember protesting apartheid on Howard University’s campus. I remember Ronald Reagan supporting the apartheid regime and was so glad that Congress overturned his veto. Watching all the people on TV remembering Nelson Mandela makes it all seem like it was yesterday.
I did not know that about Reagan (then again I didn’t follow his disastrous Presidency) – so many thanks Sabreen – wonderful picture and story here. Those sanctions did come late – 1986 – and still Reagan fought it – saying it would have no impact – Reagan was wrong.
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Death of Nelson Mandela, December 5, 2013
Samantha Power
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York, NY
December 5, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today, an eloquent voice has been silenced, a beautiful mind stilled, and a bountiful heart stopped. The epic soul of Nelson Mandela is now at rest.
It is routine to suggest that the legacy of a man or woman will outlive that person, but in this case, the world will never be the same now that Nelson Mandela has occupied it. The example of his leadership – from prison to the presidency – from a land riven by fear to a people reconciled through truth and justice – will stand for all time.
Fifteen years ago, in an address to the United Nations, Mandela wrote his own epitaph: “As I sit in Qunu and grow as ancient as its hills, I will entertain the hope that there has emerged a cadre of leaders in my own country and region, on my continent and in the world, that will not allow any to be denied freedom as we were; that will not allow any to be turned into refugees as we were; that will not allow any to be condemned to go hungry as we were; and that will not allow any to be stripped of their dignity as we were.”
Nelson Mandela was a man of profound dignity. As we mourn his passing and celebrate his life, we must also find inspiration in his memory – striving daily to promote peace, freedom, and dignity for others.
Thanks LP for the beautiful tribute and congrats to LL for eking out #1 in front of Sabreen. We happened to be on a mini-vacation in Las Vegas when he was released and I watched for hours in the room waiting and then seeing him released. Couldn’t believe I just happened to turn on the TV and for once the time difference worked in my favor. 😉
A version of this tribute may have already been posted. I’m sorry if it has, but this version has so many beautiful pictures. If you go straight to YouTube it has the lyrics both in English and is it African? I’m sorry for not know the name of language.
Published on Jun 4, 2013
Montblanc was delighted to present the Power of Words video project as part of Time Square’s Midnight Moment in April. Every night, three minutes before midnight, the Times Square became a digital art gallery. The powerful words of Nelson Mandela — made up of text edited from numerous speeches — collided, floated, poured and burst onto Times Square’s screens.
For Montblanc, its more than just an exciting piece of modern contemporary art, it honours the power of the written word and is a tribute to remarkable, outstanding people like Nelson Mandela. As part of the international Montblanc “Signature for Good” cooperation with UNICEF, this new and exciting initiative will help to raise awareness and create a better understanding about the importance of quality education for children around the world.
Dudette, thank you. I missed this extraordinary event. What an incredible tribute. And what an opportunity to transform and educate. New Yorkers are very fortunate.
“The media always wants to blame the president or the government for the high level of public distrust, but the reality is that media makes their money off of fueling that same distrust. Cable news wouldn’t exist if they covered all of the news. The media has decided that good news is boring, so when the Obama administration does something right, it isn’t reported on.”
“Republicans learned this years ago, which is why they feed the media an endless string of bogus scandals. Benghazi, the IRS, Fast and Furious, the ACA. It never stops, because the media lives on manufactured controversy.”
Thank you Lovelyplains for the stunning tribute to Madiba past to present. Mandela was and is one of my all time hero’s. I appreciate all the work you, chipsticks, Liberal Librarian, Dudette and so many others do to make TOD so meaningful for all of us. I have never posted in the comments because I tried once & it did not work. Haven’t tried again til now.. Thanks again everyone! LOL finally post a comment and put it in the wrong place
Dudette, here is some music – Mandela by Frankie Beverly & Maze and the another link with some other artists like Hugh Maskela. I don’t know how to post them
Thanks Dudette! This is a gem! It brings back memories and lots of tears! My daughter who passed away really loved this song and played it all the time! You’ve really done a magnificent job with all the songs, quotes, video clips you’ve shared with us in tribute to this great man!
There is no such thing as too much media saturation when it comes to Nelson Mandela’s life and Nelson Mandela’s memory, because there was once a time when his image didn’t exist, was illegal.
Thank you so much Dudette for sharing this Nelson Mandela song and for sharing all the wonderful quotes on the previous pages. I am so glad to you were blessed to hear this great man in person.
Today a great man and a great soul transitioned from the physical to the eternal life. Even though I am filled with sadness that he has left us, I am also immensely thankful that Nelson Mandela walked with us in this imperfect world of ours. I am even more thankful that I lived in his time to truly witness what greatness looks like. Thank you Madiba for touching our lives and for a job well done. With all that you sacrificed in your long walk for freedom, justice and humanity, you certainly deserve eternal peace and rest.
PS. Thank you Chips,UT, LP and all the wonderful people here at TOD, for your beautiful and heart warming tributes to this giant of a man. Even for an old man like me, I was unable to fight back the tears.
Lovely, just lovely, nath. Couldn’t agree with you more. Knew the day would come – it does for everyone. But, I also knew that if I lived to hear the news of Nelson Mandela leaving us it was going to hurt, deeply. It has. Of course, I know that I’m but one of several billion people who are similarly saddened. That reality speaks to just how good humanity is, despite those who try to make it otherwise.
Rest well, great soul! You bring so much love, energy and love of life to this place! Madiba, may he RIP, must be smiling for the great tribute you paid him. In a typical African fashion you made sure that the great sadness that comes with mourning the passing of a beloved person must be followed with joyous celebration of his life. Nelson Mandela has joined the great African ancestors who continue to watch over us.
Aw, you’re so sweet! I just posted stuff that I thought he’d like.
You’re right about the African tradition of celebrating life though. My family practices that tradition and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
I can think of anyone who’s extraordinary life deserves to be celebrated more than Madiba.
I’m signing off, too, nath, so I’ll wish you a goodnight. Oh, and, I saw your comment about being an “old man” and yet still crying tonight. Sometimes “old” men cry best, because they fully understand what is “worth” crying about!
Did that make sense? Obviously, I need beauty sleep – Ha!
Thanks JOB for your kindness. As always you make a whole lot of sense. I of course was brought up at the time when men were not supposed to cry. But as I’ve grown older I’ve realized that crying helps in healing deep sadness. Me and Madiba go way back. I was a sophomore in High School when he was sentenced to life. I will never forget the deep sadness we all felt at my school. I was also very active in the anti-apartheid movement and the South African boycotts. I also remember the profound joy i felt when he was finally set free after 27 years of imprisonment. By that time I was a middle aged man with two children. Today I cried both tears of sadness that he will no longer be with us, as well as tears of Joy to know that he passed on peacefully, surrounded by family, after he had shown the whole world what a great man he was and how absurd white supremacists in SA were for believing that they were superior to him and his people.
Have a peaceful sleep! I am heading to bed my self as I have to go to work very early tomorrow.
I awoke early today to re-read the wonderful tributes brought here by our TOD family on Nelson Mandela, of whom I consider a legend in his own time. Thank you to all who made these threads commemorating his life a pleasure to read.
L. Plains, THANK YOU! I like the fact you often add a slightly different tinge to the TOD tableau. This continued tribute to Nelson Mandela is much appreciated. You, Chips Chica, Lib-Lib and Utal have been doing a terrific job!
GA, VC. My notifications are finally working today 🙂 Thank you for the kind words….. BTW did you ever get the ZOOM (in/out) function I told you about working?
The Obama Diary 
Excellent, LP.
LibLib!
Congrats LL. You beat me!
Congrats on first LL!
1st maybe?
First for sure, sabreen, nice clean double first!
Thank yoooooo LovelyPlains, a completely beautiful tribute.
Thanks LP for the wonderful video and photos.
Oh, LP, all of these photos are so moving. Thank you for such a stunning span of time.
X2 Thank you LP – perfectly described meta
LP, this is WONDERFUL! Thank you!
Thanks LP for this lovely, very moving tribute.
LovelyPlains, I was mesmerized by the wonderful pictures and inspiring words. I remember protesting apartheid on Howard University’s campus. I remember Ronald Reagan supporting the apartheid regime and was so glad that Congress overturned his veto. Watching all the people on TV remembering Nelson Mandela makes it all seem like it was yesterday.
I did not know that about Reagan (then again I didn’t follow his disastrous Presidency) – so many thanks Sabreen – wonderful picture and story here. Those sanctions did come late – 1986 – and still Reagan fought it – saying it would have no impact – Reagan was wrong.
http://www.policymic.com/articles/52029/the-surprising-republican-civil-war-that-erupted-over-nelson-mandela-and-apartheid
Interesting to see who sided with Reagan.
Johnny Clegg (With Nelson Mandela) – Asimbonanga – 1999 Fran
Love this song.
I know, isn’t it beautiful. I makes me want to weep everything I hear it.
oops everything s/b every time
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Death of Nelson Mandela, December 5, 2013
Samantha Power
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York, NY
December 5, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today, an eloquent voice has been silenced, a beautiful mind stilled, and a bountiful heart stopped. The epic soul of Nelson Mandela is now at rest.
It is routine to suggest that the legacy of a man or woman will outlive that person, but in this case, the world will never be the same now that Nelson Mandela has occupied it. The example of his leadership – from prison to the presidency – from a land riven by fear to a people reconciled through truth and justice – will stand for all time.
Fifteen years ago, in an address to the United Nations, Mandela wrote his own epitaph: “As I sit in Qunu and grow as ancient as its hills, I will entertain the hope that there has emerged a cadre of leaders in my own country and region, on my continent and in the world, that will not allow any to be denied freedom as we were; that will not allow any to be turned into refugees as we were; that will not allow any to be condemned to go hungry as we were; and that will not allow any to be stripped of their dignity as we were.”
Nelson Mandela was a man of profound dignity. As we mourn his passing and celebrate his life, we must also find inspiration in his memory – striving daily to promote peace, freedom, and dignity for others.
http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/218408.htm
Beautiful, poetic statement from Amb. Power.
He brings out the best in people. Rational, well-adjusted, intelligent people.
It’s a beautiful thing! (Nice, for a change, to be able to concentrate only on rational, well-adjusted, intelligent people.)
Ambassador Powers has a beautiful soul. She’s one of the sublimely right choices our president has made.
Beautiful!!!
Thank you for yet another beautiful tribute, LP.
Thank you LP for your heartfelt tribute to a great leader.
First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004)
Watching BBC World. Mike Embley said “It’s personal for President Obama, isn’t it?”
I had a great montage pic of Madiba & PBO. Can’t find it now.
Okay, how much? 😉 😉
It was priceless. 🙂
😎
LP, this is a beautiful tribute!
Thanks LP for the beautiful tribute and congrats to LL for eking out #1 in front of Sabreen. We happened to be on a mini-vacation in Las Vegas when he was released and I watched for hours in the room waiting and then seeing him released. Couldn’t believe I just happened to turn on the TV and for once the time difference worked in my favor. 😉
A version of this tribute may have already been posted. I’m sorry if it has, but this version has so many beautiful pictures. If you go straight to YouTube it has the lyrics both in English and is it African? I’m sorry for not know the name of language.
Remember this? 😀
Background from the YouTube posting:
Published on Jun 4, 2013
Montblanc was delighted to present the Power of Words video project as part of Time Square’s Midnight Moment in April. Every night, three minutes before midnight, the Times Square became a digital art gallery. The powerful words of Nelson Mandela — made up of text edited from numerous speeches — collided, floated, poured and burst onto Times Square’s screens.
For Montblanc, its more than just an exciting piece of modern contemporary art, it honours the power of the written word and is a tribute to remarkable, outstanding people like Nelson Mandela. As part of the international Montblanc “Signature for Good” cooperation with UNICEF, this new and exciting initiative will help to raise awareness and create a better understanding about the importance of quality education for children around the world.
Dudette, thank you. I missed this extraordinary event. What an incredible tribute. And what an opportunity to transform and educate. New Yorkers are very fortunate.
RIP Nelson Mandela and condolences to the Mandela and human family who’s been touched by his courage, spirit, and leadership.
Okay, I wanted to stop crying for a minute and maybe even laugh. George Takei is always there to help!
Beautiful post LP. Thank you
“The media always wants to blame the president or the government for the high level of public distrust, but the reality is that media makes their money off of fueling that same distrust. Cable news wouldn’t exist if they covered all of the news. The media has decided that good news is boring, so when the Obama administration does something right, it isn’t reported on.”
“Republicans learned this years ago, which is why they feed the media an endless string of bogus scandals. Benghazi, the IRS, Fast and Furious, the ACA. It never stops, because the media lives on manufactured controversy.”
Thank you Lovelyplains for the stunning tribute to Madiba past to present. Mandela was and is one of my all time hero’s. I appreciate all the work you, chipsticks, Liberal Librarian, Dudette and so many others do to make TOD so meaningful for all of us. I have never posted in the comments because I tried once & it did not work. Haven’t tried again til now.. Thanks again everyone! LOL finally post a comment and put it in the wrong place
Dudette, here is some music – Mandela by Frankie Beverly & Maze and the another link with some other artists like Hugh Maskela. I don’t know how to post them
http://www.thenation.com/blog/175037/top-ten-songs-about-nelson-mandela#
I was about to go grab that one. {{{GGail }}}
I played that song when I found out he’d been released from prison.
I sang that when he came to Atlanta! 🙂
I heard you! LOL!
this one too! 🙂
Thanks Dudette! This is a gem! It brings back memories and lots of tears! My daughter who passed away really loved this song and played it all the time! You’ve really done a magnificent job with all the songs, quotes, video clips you’ve shared with us in tribute to this great man!
Thanks Nath! I’m honored to know this brings up sweet memories of your daughter I loved this particular piece too. Bless you and your family!
This was my daily chant song back then!
Found this little gem on YouTube
Awesome!
Cool Madiba! 😎
LOL. Though I would have changed the first one to Keep America sailing – wind Obama
What a phenomenal tribute. Thank you, LP!!!!!!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
President Mandela. Your son in spirit is a worthy progenitor. But you knew that.
There is no such thing as too much media saturation when it comes to Nelson Mandela’s life and Nelson Mandela’s memory, because there was once a time when his image didn’t exist, was illegal.
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/mandela-fist
Dudette, Thanks for posting this. Wow, Wayman…
😎 Miss him!
I miss him, too.
Very nice. He always reminds me of his mother, Princess Diana.
I agree. He’s definitely his mother’s son.
Keith O is showing a documentary on the soccer team at Robben Island.
My sister said “Siphiwo was waiting to serenade Madiba at the Pearly Gates” 😀
Thank you so much Dudette for sharing this Nelson Mandela song and for sharing all the wonderful quotes on the previous pages. I am so glad to you were blessed to hear this great man in person.
Thank you Nath! Seeing him in person meant so much to me. It truly was a blessing!
Today a great man and a great soul transitioned from the physical to the eternal life. Even though I am filled with sadness that he has left us, I am also immensely thankful that Nelson Mandela walked with us in this imperfect world of ours. I am even more thankful that I lived in his time to truly witness what greatness looks like. Thank you Madiba for touching our lives and for a job well done. With all that you sacrificed in your long walk for freedom, justice and humanity, you certainly deserve eternal peace and rest.
PS. Thank you Chips,UT, LP and all the wonderful people here at TOD, for your beautiful and heart warming tributes to this giant of a man. Even for an old man like me, I was unable to fight back the tears.
Beautifully stated, as usual, nath.
Thanks JOB! Your comments, and your exquisite poetry, mean so much to me.
Well, I appreciate that so much, nath, because I feel the same way about your exquisite comments – and the history you share behind them.
Lovely, just lovely, nath. Couldn’t agree with you more. Knew the day would come – it does for everyone. But, I also knew that if I lived to hear the news of Nelson Mandela leaving us it was going to hurt, deeply. It has. Of course, I know that I’m but one of several billion people who are similarly saddened. That reality speaks to just how good humanity is, despite those who try to make it otherwise.
Thank you Bob for your kindness and your beautiful comment! You are truly a deeply caring soul! It’s no wonder you chose a healing profession.
Thanks to our 57f.
This might post as a playlist. Sorry about that — just stop after first song.
More from my pretend-husband Jonathan
I just signed up for a SA trip with your pretend-husband — Sep 2014…
Oooooo, I’m sooo jealous! 😀
Dudette, Jonathan doesn’t know what he is missing! I truly appreciate all you’ve done today in tribute to a great man.
😀 Oh stop… tell me more! 😀
Thank you, LP.
#FORWARD Together
Okay two more and then I gotta go. Hmm let’s see, so much good stuff to choose from…
Dudette, You did it! This what I needed tonight before going to bed. I love Sipho Mabuse!
He’s pretty cool, isn’t he? Love him! 😎
Okay I lied. One more…
Here’s a wind down bonus from my honey-bunny!
Keep your hands off him Alycee — I’m watching you! 🙂
Goodnight Family! Peace and Love to you all!
g’nite Dudette sweet dreams
Rest well, great soul! You bring so much love, energy and love of life to this place! Madiba, may he RIP, must be smiling for the great tribute you paid him. In a typical African fashion you made sure that the great sadness that comes with mourning the passing of a beloved person must be followed with joyous celebration of his life. Nelson Mandela has joined the great African ancestors who continue to watch over us.
Aw, you’re so sweet! I just posted stuff that I thought he’d like.
You’re right about the African tradition of celebrating life though. My family practices that tradition and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
I can think of anyone who’s extraordinary life deserves to be celebrated more than Madiba.
… CAN’T think of anyone… 🙄
Before I sign off, I wanted to say thank you to LovelyPlains for this beautiful tribute to Madiba. It’s truly a labor of Love.
I’m signing off, too, nath, so I’ll wish you a goodnight. Oh, and, I saw your comment about being an “old man” and yet still crying tonight. Sometimes “old” men cry best, because they fully understand what is “worth” crying about!
Did that make sense? Obviously, I need beauty sleep – Ha!
Thanks JOB for your kindness. As always you make a whole lot of sense. I of course was brought up at the time when men were not supposed to cry. But as I’ve grown older I’ve realized that crying helps in healing deep sadness. Me and Madiba go way back. I was a sophomore in High School when he was sentenced to life. I will never forget the deep sadness we all felt at my school. I was also very active in the anti-apartheid movement and the South African boycotts. I also remember the profound joy i felt when he was finally set free after 27 years of imprisonment. By that time I was a middle aged man with two children. Today I cried both tears of sadness that he will no longer be with us, as well as tears of Joy to know that he passed on peacefully, surrounded by family, after he had shown the whole world what a great man he was and how absurd white supremacists in SA were for believing that they were superior to him and his people.
Have a peaceful sleep! I am heading to bed my self as I have to go to work very early tomorrow.
Your words and recollections left me breathless, as I read them today, nath. Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela – “the world’s” Madiba.
I awoke early today to re-read the wonderful tributes brought here by our TOD family on Nelson Mandela, of whom I consider a legend in his own time. Thank you to all who made these threads commemorating his life a pleasure to read.
Morning Early Birds:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/06/early-bird-chat-65/
L. Plains, THANK YOU! I like the fact you often add a slightly different tinge to the TOD tableau. This continued tribute to Nelson Mandela is much appreciated. You, Chips Chica, Lib-Lib and Utal have been doing a terrific job!
GA, VC. My notifications are finally working today 🙂 Thank you for the kind words….. BTW did you ever get the ZOOM (in/out) function I told you about working?
Yes, thank you. I can now sit back in comfort and read without straining my eyes. 😉
Before:
After?
😆 We need to buy them for VC for Christmas!
Would have been helpful if you both had offered these earlier, but thanks anyways. I’m okay now.