Nelson Mandela International Day Jax

Dr. Makaziwe Mandela 

The United Nations declared July 18 to be Nelson Mandela International Day in honor of the former statesman’s legacy and contributions during his personal journey from prisoner to President.

Through my longstanding relationship with the House of Mandela, I will welcome Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, to Jacksonville, Florida  this summer to highlight our celebration of the First Nelson Mandela International Day.

Nelson Mandela believed that everyone has the ability, and the responsibility, to change the world for the better. We believe that the events surrounding Jacksonville’s first Nelson Mandela International Day, including the presence of Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, will lead to great positive change in Jacksonville.

Mark your calendar for the celebrations surrounding this historic event:

• KICKOFF TO FREEDOM – On Wednesday, July 17, 2019 we will hold a fundraising and recognition gala to celebrate the ideals of Nelson Mandela and promote the life-changing work of some of Jacksonville’s foremost social justice leaders. Hosted by our sponsors, this inspirational evening will benefit Operation New Hope.

#67ACTJAX – Nelson Mandela International Day is a global call to action celebrating the idea that each individual has the power to impact and transform the world. Because Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, we are challenging Jacksonville citizens to participate in service for 67 minutes on July 18th and commemorate it with #67ACTJAX.

• EXHIBITION OF “THE NELSON MANDELA UNITY SERIES”

Opening by invitation only on July 19, 2019 at the Lightner Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, “The Unity Series” is a collaboration between Nelson Mandela and invited contemporary artists, chosen from around the world.

HISTORY OF THE EVENT

Khalil Osiris became pen pals with Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, while he was in prison. Osiris made a commitment to Nelson Mandela in 1986 that he would one day visit South Africa and work in schools and prisons to honor the life-changing impact Mandela had on him. In 2011 Osiris moved to South Africa and fulfilled his commitment. Meanwhile…

November 2009

The UN General Assembly passes resolution A/RES/64/13 in recognition of Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in:

  • conflict resolution
  • race relations
  • promotion and protection of human rights
  • reconciliation
  • gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups
  • the fight against poverty
  • the promotion of social justice

December 2015

The UN General Assembly extends the scope of Nelson Mandela International Day to also be utilized in order to:

  • promote humane conditions of imprisonment
  • raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society
  • value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance.

This resolution adopts the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and approves that they should be known as theNelson Mandela Rulesin order to honor the legacy of the late President of South Africa.

July 18, 2018

On the 100th anniversary of his birth, UN Secretary-General António Guterressays about Nelson Mandelas legacy, “He stands today as a beacon for universal values – peace, forgiveness, humility, integrity, passion, respect and service.  Madiba showed us that these are not just words or vague ideals, but concrete actions that we can all take.

Today

Inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela, Osiris carries the spirit of the Mandela legacy with him to Jacksonville, Florida where he is organising the First Annual Nelson Mandela International Day (JAX) to be celebrated July 18th, 2019.

Nelson Mandela International Day Jax

ABOUT OPERATION NEW HOPE

Khalis Osiris and Dr. Makaziwe Mandela chose Operation New Hope to benefit from the fundraising during Nelson Mandela International Day Jacksonville because their freedom-based mission so clearly reflects Nelson Mandela’s life work.

Their mission is to provide support, life and job skills training for people with a history of involvement with the criminal justice system, and place them in employment that offers a sustainable quality of life. Operation New Hope works to build a stronger community by creating opportunities to realize second chances and reduce recidivism.

For to be free is not merely
to cast off one’s chains,
but to live in a way that
respects and enhances
the freedom of others.

 

Nelson Mandela

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