pdf  Retiree News & Views - Mar/Apr 2014

President Gregory Floyd presents a Leadership Award to George Monyemangene, consul general, South Africa.

The Retiree Division’s Black History Month event this year was a tribute to Nelson Mandela, the South African statesman and freedom fighter who died Dec. 5, 2013, at age 95. Mandela “was able to free his country and change the world from his prison cell, and when he was freed, was able to forgive,” noted Winston George, who welcomed guests to Local 237 headquarters on Feb. 28.

Among the highlights was a video presentation of moving memorials to Mandela, including poet Maya Angelou’s recitation of “His Day Is Done,” and President Barack Obama’s remarks at Mandela’s funeral. Calling Mandela the “last great liberator of the 20th Century,” Obama celebrated his “heroic life,” noting that Mandela spoke “to what’s best inside of us.”

George Monyemangene, consul general of South Africa, addressed guests at Local 237 and reflected on his nation’s past and future. “Apartheid was very brutal,” he said, crediting international activism and solidarity for South Africa’s emancipation. Monyemangene emphasized that Dr. Martin Luther King and Mandela both practiced the South African philosophy of “obuntu,” meaning “I am because you are.” They valued humanity.

The program also included dramatic performances by Linda Sithole and Nora Cole, drumming by Don Babatunde Eaton, and a poetic tribute by James Jeffers, a Local 237 retiree.

Winston George, deputy director, Retiree Division, offers a libation to the ancestors.

 

Actor/Vocalist Nora Cole performs a piece about Nelson Mandelaʼs first wife, Winnie.

 

Retiree James Jeffers delivers a poetic tribute to Mandela.

 

Don “Babatunde” Eaton opens the performance.

 

Retirees prepare to toast the ancestors.