Robbed of 27 years of his life, no one would have faulted Mandela if he emerged from prison with anger. But instead, with his first words of his first speech in decades, he chose grace. 2/13
At my office in Congress I have an original ballot of Mandela’s election as reminder to never take democracy for granted. After yesterday’s senate vote, I turn back to Mandela’s first speech when released from prison 31 years ago this week. Here’s what we can learn (THREAD)
Robbed of 27 years of his life, no one would have faulted Mandela if he emerged from prison with anger. But instead, with his first words of his first speech in decades, he chose grace. 2/13
Mandela was revered by millions as a leader of conscience. But in his second sentence, he made sure to set the tone for humility and service. No individuals stand above the people. 3/13
He focused on the contributions of the many and showed respect to those often overlooked. He showed the vitalness of coalitions. 4/13
Mandela used the speech to set the tone for the work ahead. His release was not the climax, but instead just the possibility of change. No assumptions could be made of what comes next. 5/13
He underscored the urgency of now and showed who was empowered to make this decision. It would be “our people” who would seize this moment. 6/13
The vision for change that Mandela presented wasn’t one of elites in power. Change would happen “only” through mass action. He also noted that these actions must be “disciplined.” 7/13
It must have been powerful to stand in that crowd in Cape Town and hear a man who was imprisoned for 27 years to say we cannot subject ourselves to fear. 8/13
Mandela ended with a positive vision to show that what they were fighting for was bigger than him, bigger than all. 9/13
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He's wrong to prioritise Labour Party members over the public:
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