Ceasar Mitchell, City Council President, Wishes Final Farewell to Nelson Mandela

Yesterday, in a private family ceremony, the world said its final good-bye to one of the greatest leaders of our time. After a week of mourning and a stirring memorial service, the man some affectionately referred to as “Madiba” was laid to rest.  

Nelson Mandela’s journey in life was complex. He evolved from being a freedom fighter, to a man who advocated for peace. He overcame the oppression of segregation and became a unifier. And he transcended the bars of prison to become the president of a nation.   

As we continue in a period of mourning for this great leader, I think it is important to remember the legacy that he leaves behind. He would not want us to linger too long in the sadness of his passing because there is still work to be done and injustice to cure.  So, I believe he would remind us of words he spoke during an interview in 1994 where he simply stated,

          “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”  

Nelson Mandela has passed the torch to each of us.  How will you carry the flame?