For those of us living in the United States of America, we take freedom for granted. Freedoms people around the world have never thought possible. However, for a select few in the year of 1993, a taste of a freedom of a struggle that we would never light to bear came to our soil. A man of strength and virtue came to enlighten us to how wonderful our lives were and how long suffering our neighbors plight had become. I speak of Nelson Mandela, a renowned South African leader whose’ endeavors sparked hatred and triumph among millions.
For a city that claimed to overcome its struggles as Detroit had done, Mandela’s presence was enough to silence those who thought themselves equal to the struggles of this man. To come to terms with the fact that what happened during the riots of Detroit is what can happen within just one hours time in this man’s homeland is enough to humble the mightiest of men. It was, even if you were miles away, a serene place to be. The air was stiff and yet at the same time, vibrant and joyful. Mandela came to this nation with one thing in mind, to spread his voice of intolerance for all oppression and deprivation. He had been quoted many a time saying “I detest racism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.” Understanding that statement is a far different animal than applying that statement, for Mandela just does not offer to us an opinion; it is a directive.
Detroit was a stop on the map for this powerful and energetic man because of the music that inspired him throughout his 27 year imprisonment in South Africa. He grew great strength he said from the late Marvin Gaye. He stated in his speech that he recalled the words from the song “What’s Goin’ On”. “It says “. He said… ”Brother, Brother, there’s far too many of you dying. Mother, Mother, mother, there’s far too many of you crying.” He stated that they represented the condition of South Africa. Detroit became a place of movement and mission for one glorious and shining moment that afternoon. People put down their differences and came together to celebrate a man that celebrated his struggles rather than dwell in them.
Posted By Joeymichelle
