On Sept 12, a statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at Fresno State. The Nelson Mandela monument is the newest addition to the Fresno State Peace Garden, which houses monuments dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez and Jane Addams.
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) is renowned for his pivotal role in mobilizing resistance against institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. From the harsh conditions of imprisonment, Mandela emerged as a leader dedicated to racial reconciliation and social justice.
In 1994, Mandela was elected South Africa’s first Black president. He led the African National Congress and successfully negotiated the end of apartheid (as the racist South Africa social system was called) after serving 27 years in prison. Mandela’s relentless efforts to dismantle oppressive laws and create goodwill among all communities show a path forward for uniting our divided societies.
