Politics & Government
Mandela Day Celebrated in Back Bay Church
Patrick, Menino among those to honor the former South African president's birthday.
The Old South Church on Boylston Street in Back Bay played host Thursday to a celebration of Mandela Day, the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, where his spirit of giving and community was honored.
In his remarks, Gov. Deval Patrick invoked the recent memory of the Boston Marathon bombings, which took place feet from the church, and its aftermath as an example of love conquering hate.
"We showed the world and each other what Nelson Mandela taught us, that nothing can defeat the spirit of love," Patrick said.
Mandela fought the segregationist policies of apartheid in the '40s and '50s in his home country before being imprisoned for 27 years. He was released in 1990, worked to dismantle apartheid and was elected president in 1994.
Shortly after his release in 1990, Mandela visited Boston, and footage of that visit was shown to those in attendance Thursday.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said that while his city and commonwealth have led on issues of equality, "President Mandela would be the first to remind us that our work is not done."
Johnny Motolo, a minister and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. South African Embassy, said that in spite of Mandela's recent health problems, the 95-year-old is showing signs of improvement, including opening his eyes and responding to those around him.
Motolo said efforts continue to make Mandela Day a holiday in America, where those who recognize it spend 67 minutes during the day helping others. The number 67 symbolizes the number of years Mandela spent working for his causes.
In addition Motolo said the embassy was aware of 18 American cities that were celebrating Mandela Day Thursday.
"We know that this year was better than last year, and next year will be better than this year," he said.
The day was celebrated with many musical performances, including several led by Berklee College of Music student Byron Noemdoe, a South African who works as a vocalist with the St. Stephen's Youth Program.
Thursday's celebration was put on by South Africa Partners, and one of its board members, Groton School Headmaster Temba Maqubela, said he tells students to "find your Mandela" when to comes to helping others.
In his remarks, Gov. Deval Patrick invoked the recent memory of the Boston Marathon bombings, which took place feet from the church, and its aftermath as an example of love conquering hate.
"We showed the world and each other what Nelson Mandela taught us, that nothing can defeat the spirit of love," Patrick said.
Mandela fought the segregationist policies of apartheid in the '40s and '50s in his home country before being imprisoned for 27 years. He was released in 1990, worked to dismantle apartheid and was elected president in 1994.
Shortly after his release in 1990, Mandela visited Boston, and footage of that visit was shown to those in attendance Thursday.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said that while his city and commonwealth have led on issues of equality, "President Mandela would be the first to remind us that our work is not done."
Johnny Motolo, a minister and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. South African Embassy, said that in spite of Mandela's recent health problems, the 95-year-old is showing signs of improvement, including opening his eyes and responding to those around him.
Motolo said efforts continue to make Mandela Day a holiday in America, where those who recognize it spend 67 minutes during the day helping others. The number 67 symbolizes the number of years Mandela spent working for his causes.
In addition Motolo said the embassy was aware of 18 American cities that were celebrating Mandela Day Thursday.
"We know that this year was better than last year, and next year will be better than this year," he said.
The day was celebrated with many musical performances, including several led by Berklee College of Music student Byron Noemdoe, a South African who works as a vocalist with the St. Stephen's Youth Program.
Thursday's celebration was put on by South Africa Partners, and one of its board members, Groton School Headmaster Temba Maqubela, said he tells students to "find your Mandela" when to comes to helping others.
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