Press Release - Nelson Mandela Tribute

For Immediate Release:  

December 9, 2013

Contact: Rev. Ira Acree, 773-339-8590

Local Activists Pay Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Faith Leaders Sign Condolence Book and Vow to Continue the Fight for Social Justice

(Chicago, IL.) -The Leader’s Network will honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, Tuesday December 10th at 9:30 a.m. at the Columbus Park Refectory; with prayers and tributes.  Mandela, a global iconic human rights figure, died Thursday at age 95. Mandela’s message of “reconciliation, not vengeance” inspired the world after he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation. He also urged forgiveness for the white government that imprisoned him.

Dr. Marshall Hatch, pastor of New Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and Chairman of the Leader’s Network surmised it by saying: “After 27 years in prison, Mandela was convinced that his lifetime was too short to waste on vindictiveness. He only had time to live and fight for his ideals” “Let’s not forget Mandela’s courage to forgive his enemies was inseparable from his courage to fight for justice,” added Rev. Hatch.

Activists and other community stake holders will also gather to pay homage to the global human rights and anti- apartheid revolutionary at the Leaders Network’s Monthly roundtable. In addition, a condolence book is being made available for the public to sign, and it will be delivered to the South Africa Consulate General’s Chicago office by local leaders.

“It is my prayer that the written expressions of our people will in a small way comfort his family during their time of mourning. As we offer our prayers, it is with the hope that this selfless giant will be forever remembered and revered as a true leader, and as one who sacrificed it all for the freedom of his people” says Rev. Ira Acree of the Greater St John Bible Church.  

Rev. Cy Fields, the President of the Leader’s Network said:“We pledge not only to remember him, but to emulate and continue his work, as we fight for social justice and the human rights of all.”

Driven by compassion, the Leaders Network meets monthly purposing to bring church and community stakeholders together to organize, strategize, and mobilize for the improvement of the quality of life for westside residents and greater Chicago. The Leader’s Network is committed to stay the fight for Social Justice and help those who interface with tragedy both locally and globally.

For additional information contact Co-Chair of Leader’s Network, Rev. Ira Acree at 773-339-8590