[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E761-E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF NELSON MANDELA ON NELSON MANDELA 
                           INTERNATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorated Nelson Mandela 
International Day on July 18th, I take this moment to honor the life 
and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid and civil 
rights activist. Mandela's lifetime commitment to fighting on behalf of 
marginalized groups in South Africa and the world is the reason for 
Nelson Mandela International Day. This day should reflect the values 
and integrity we should have in advocating on behalf of the most 
vulnerable.
  Nelson Mandela International Day was first Declared by the United 
Nations in 2009. The day reminds us never to get complacent about 
today's injustices and to fight for tomorrow's freedoms. With its 
timeless message of equality and justice, Mandela's legacy should serve 
as a call to action for our youth to pursue equitable justice, 
especially when democracy is under attack. In the words of Mandela, 
``To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a 
way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.''
  Mandela's tenacity and struggle against systemic injustice under 
South African apartheid are world-renowned. His influence transcends 
borders, inspiring a global civil rights and social justice movement. 
Despite Mandela's many accomplishments and distinguished honors, such 
as a Nobel Peace Prize, his journey to becoming a celebrated civil 
rights leader

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was not achieved overnight. As a youth, Mandela developed his passion 
for organizing in school, leading movements against racial 
discrimination and cultivating relationships between White and Black 
activists. Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice and equality led 
to his 27-year imprisonment as well to being the first democratically-
elected president in South Africa.
  Although much of Mandela's work toward justice is in South Africa, 
his story parallels civil rights struggles in America, both past and 
present. For example, Chicago continues to experience the impact of 
deliberate racial redlining from the past. Housing discrimination, such 
as redlining, led to segregation in Chicago, lower property values in 
minority communities, lower-funded schools, and systemic inequalities.
  We should remember Mandela for his revolutionary acts against 
systemic injustice and his ability to unite people to dismantle 
oppressive institutions. Challenging the status quo and pursuing 
freedom for all has never been easy; it wasn't easy for the Montogomery 
Bus Boycott protesters fighting segregation nor was it easy for 
Mandela. It isn't easy now as our country faces the choice between 
democracy or dictatorship. However, the desire to live in a more just 
and equal society spurs our fight despite the trials and tribulations 
we must face. Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day inspires our 
collective effort to advance equality that will bring about the change 
we seek.

                          ____________________