Rep. Hank Johnson on Nelson Mandela

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on news of the death of civil rights icon, anti-colonialist and former ANC and South African President Nelson Mandela. In 1990, just after Mr. Mandela was released from a South African jail, Johnson attended his speech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta during his 8-city tour of the United States:

“What impressed me most about Nelson Mandela was his humble spirit of forgiveness and love towards those who persecuted him. Neither angry nor vindictive, and with great courage and dignity, he endured 27 years in prison, sacrificing his liberty for the sake of all South Africans. Ultimately, he lived a life of triumph over evil and adversity, leaving the world a better place for his journey amongst us. The spirit of his life will remain in my heart as long as I live.”

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