Georgians Pay Tribute to Mandela

“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela. The people of South Africa and human rights advocates around the world have lost a great leader. His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide, and because of him, South Africa is today one of the world’s leading democracies. In recent years, I was gratified to be able to work with him through The Elders to encourage resolution of conflicts and advance social justice and human rights in many nations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

Mandela traveled to Atlanta in 1990 just months after his decades-long imprisonment.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed met Mandela in a later visit as an undergraduate at Howard University: 

“Today, we mourn the passing of a leader who was peerless in his sacrifice, courage and commitment to changing not only a nation, but the world. Nelson Mandela was truly a hero for the entire human race. As an undergraduate student at Howard University, I had the opportunity to meet President Mandela when he visited the campus in 1994. I was profoundly moved by his strength, dignity and grace. A photograph from that day hangs in my office; Mr. Mandela has been a constant source of inspiration for me and millions across the globe. We are all better because of the life he lived.”

Former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young: 

“His spiritual presence was far more important than his physical suffering. It seemed as though the more he suffered the stronger he became spiritually.”

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA):

“The world lost a selfless champion of freedom, democracy and equality today. Nelson Mandela’s courage in the face of terrible injustice helped dismantle apartheid, and his determined leadership guided South Africa through a process of reconciliation that at one time seemed impossible. Mandela’s legacy will be one of dignity, forgiveness and a profound dedication to the principles that all free people hold dear. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of South Africa.”

Joe Beasley of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition went to South Africa to help get out the vote when Mandela first ran for president in 1994.

“We’ve lost a unique figure that stood for peace and reconciliation and I think that’s what we need is reconciliation in the world because we’ve been treated bad for so long but it doesn’t mean you have to be bitter and I think he shows a great example of that.”

Fulton County Chairman John Eaves:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, a man of immense courage, integrity and passion for his beloved country. The tremendous sacrifices he made to free all South Africans from the bondage of apartheid will be forever remembered and admired around the world, and especially by his friends here in the United States and in Fulton County. His place in history is secured by the dignity, grace and strength of character he displayed in the face of tyranny. We are heartened by the fact that he lived to see his goals accomplished and his people free. We are blessed to have had Nelson Mandela among us for the many years of life he was granted.”

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell: 

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nelson Mandela. His courage and perseverance reached beyond the boundaries of South Africa and served as an inspiration for the entire world.”