Thursday, July 18 marks the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela and the fourth “International Nelson Mandela Day.” A celebration honoring the admirable leader’s contributions will take place July 18 in the Milwaukee Public Library’s Centennial Hall, from 12-3 p.m. (attendees can enter the hall through doors located at 733 N. 8th St .).
The event is hosted by Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., South Africa Honorary Consul for Wisconsin, and Mayor Tom Barrett will also be attending. Special guests include UW-Milwaukee Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Johannes Britz, and Tony Courtney, editor of Black Men’s Forum Newsletter.
The community event is free and all are encouraged to attend.
In 2009, the UN declared Nelson Mandela’s birthday as “International Nelson Mandela Day,” a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Nelson Mandela did. At the Milwaukee event, attendees will celebrate Mr. Mandela’s lifelong achievements by watching the film “Mandela,” a biography chronicling the former South African president’s life, and will honor his achievement of dismantling Apartheid.
“Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of humanity, and it is our civic duty to give back, serve our community and honor his work and legacy. Let’s take action to help change the world for the better. I encourage everyone to attend and participate in this tribute,” Alderman Davis said.
