We have gathered here today after attending the 104th National Convention of the NAACP in Orlando, Florida. The theme of our National Convention was “We Shall Not Be Moved.” While we discussed and debated national issues from Voting Rights, to Healthcare, Educational Reform and of course the recent trial of George Zimmeran and his subsequent acquittal of murder, we still passed a major resolution to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, known affectionately as Madiba by his family and friends. We in Detroit have been asked by the South African Government through its Embassy in America to join other cities in holding a Mandela Day Celebration. As you know in 1990 Nelson Mandela visited the City of Detroit on his now famous Freedom Tour. A major rally and region wide celebration was held at Tiger Stadium. The Rev. Jim Holley and I were Co-Chairs of that event and traveled to South Africa along with other ministers to make certain that Mr. Mandela put Detroit on his scheduled cities to visit. It was an electric day in the summer of 1990.
We will engage in all three. This event is free and open to the general public. We are also please to welcome to the City of Detroit the South African Consul General Tulelo and Consul Political Director Fansie Cooper who will be joining us in Detroit fro the Mandela Day Celebration.
As we celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela it will also be matched with our commitment to justice symbolic of his life. Nelson Mandela inspires all people by his unrelenting stand against Apartheid in South Africa and injustice around the world. For 27 years he stood in prison against injustice and for right over wrong. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to hold such a gathering on the life of Mandela and ignore the realities of injustice in this life and be a supporter of Mandela. This is why we will have a special Call to Action in response to the on-going issue of Justice for Trayvon Martin and a special appeal to our own Justice Department. There is absolutely too much gun violence in America. Mandela teaches reconciliation and respect among all people. Yet reconciliation begin with justice for all people. We believe that whether or not it is Steven Biko in South Africa, Vincent Chin in Detroit, Emmit Till in Mississippi, Oscar Grant in California, Amadou Diallo in New York or Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, they all deserve justice and to be at peace. We must always keep in mind the words of Nelson Mandela when he said that one of our greatest fears lies in the fact that many of us will find in life that we do have power beyond measure.
There will be a special call given at the celebration for Mandela in this regard. As Mr. Mandela refused to be moved, we too vow that in the area of justice “We Too Shall Not be Moved.” This will be a tremendous day for all who believe in justice and peace. We invite students, our suburban neighbors, labor and faith based to join with us on this special day. For more information please call 313-347-2820 or 313-871-2087.
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