Statesman Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013 and sparked a wave of grief and remembrance of his journey throughout the whole world.
All over the world cities celebrated the life of Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Houston took part of this event as a memorial was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on December 14, 2013 at 3 pm. Bishop James Dixon organized the event to pay tribute to, “a model global citizen,” according to Dixon.

Houstonians filtered in and out the stadium seated room that was dimply lit to hear politicians such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green and Mayor Annise Parker, clergy of all denominations, Historian Ada Edwards and tributes from the Mandela Celebration choir featuring Hanq Neal of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where Pastor Emeritus William Lawson was in attendance.
Lawson’s daughter and veteran news anchor Melanie Lawson of KTRK served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Her eloquent voice led the way for the entire program which was of a honorary tenor.

“Mandela was loved and admired,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “He loved Mickey Leeland. He knew and stood with him.” Jackson connected the ties of South Africa to Houston as she remembered Mandela.
Congressman Green stated that Mandela was a man for all seasons, a patriot for freedom.
“He refused to say he would give up the defense of his country,” said Congressman Green as he described the character of Mandela. “He walked out of prison without anger, without hate and we honor and appreciate him today.”

Historian and former City Councilmember Ada Edwards did what she does best, remind people of the not so distant past. She stood and taught the crowd how to say “the power is ours” in South African dialect. Edwards spoke on the Free South Africa Movement that was right here in Houston. She also educated the crowd about the role the U.S. government had in the capture of Mandela in South Africa.

“How many of you remember Ernest McGowen, Anthony Hall, Rodney Ellis and Judson Robinson and the role they played in the South African Movement in Houston,” said Edwards?

Edwards closed by stating, a people united can never be defeated.
Nat Levy was a defense lawyer for Mandela before he spent 27 years in prison. He gave a word about Mandela pre –incarceration. Levy said he was a unique beloved leader who showed South Africa the way and was an example to the world.

“He changed attitudes in South Africa,” said Levy. “He showed how the power of forgiveness can heal a country.”

The celebration memorial continued and many others stood and said uplifting remarks. Mkhuseli Maqungo, a native of Mandela’s home tribe, gave a tribute as well as the Mandela Celebration Choir.
Nelson Mandela died at 95 years old and was an inspiration to many. All over the world he will be honored for the legacy of his life as a patriot of South Africa and a leader to his people.