Search
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Arts & Entertainment
Opinion
Subscribe
Life & Times
Send a News Tip
Features
Donate
100 Years
Advertise

Subscribeto The Echo

The Echo

Thursday, December 12, 2019 Print Edition

Donate

  •       
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Multimedia
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a News Tip
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Multimedia
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a News Tip
Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to The Echo

The Echo aims to represent the views of diverse voices on Taylor University's campus fairly and without bias and to be a vehicle of accurate and pertinent information to the student body. The Echo also aimns to be a forum that fosters healthy discussion about relevant issues, acting as a catalyst for change on our campus.

Fill out my online form.

12/5/2013, 10:26pm

A professor remembers Nelson Mandela

By Kari Travis
A professor remembers Nelson Mandela

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

By Kari Travis | Echo

He passed away the evening of Dec. 5 at the age of 95.

Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela. You changed this world.

@CNN

- OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) December 6, 2013

But to those who lived under his leadership, Nelson Mandela was much more than just a political statement against the force of racial segregation in South Africa. For Nicholas Kerton-Johnson, a South African and associate professor of political science at Taylor, Mandela was an example of grace, forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.

"He refused to be drawn into the politics of hatred but rather saw the future being one of color-blindness," Kerton-Johnson said. "In this way he became, not just the father of black South Africans fighting for freedom, but the father of every South African-and a new nation."

While Kerton-Johnson views the death of Mandela as a chance to reflect on the leader's many triumphs, he also wants the world to remember the leader's weaknesses.

"We must be careful not to idolize him," Kerton-Johnson added. "He failed in many ways, not least over his privileging of the African National Congress (ANC). But his failures indicate his humanity and do not deny the incredible legacy he left."

That legacy includes Mandela's 27-year imprisonment for attempts to sabotage and overthrow South Africa's apartheid government, as well as his eventual release in February of 1990. Upon his release, Mandela assured South Africa he would work toward reconciliation-for both whites and blacks.

A look back at the life of #NelsonMandela with @robyncurnowcnn on #AC360 right now

- Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) December 6, 2013

"Surrounded by thousands of people who had been oppressed, I was astounded by the love and joy of every person, all eager to listen to a man who we knew would help heal a nation," Kerton-Johnson said.

And Mandela's is a legacy that touched not only South Africa, but the international community as a whole. Even after retirement from the South African presidency in 1999, the outspoken leader continued to champion causes such as human rights, world peace and the fight against AIDS, according to CNN. During his last public appearance in July 2010, Mandela spoke out one last time about the legacy he hoped South Africa would remember-and continue to live.

Grateful to #NelsonMandela for stellar example of reconciliation. We'll honor him tmrw @GMA. Also will be joining @DavidMuir on @ABC2020.

- Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) December 6, 2013

Kerton-Johnson, who calls Mandela one of the great statesmen of the twentieth century, will ultimately remember the leader's successes and failures as the very fabric of his legacy-and his humanity.

"South Africa lost a brave son and a humble father," Kerton-Johnson concluded. "I am honored to be able to call him my first president."

(Thumbnail photo by Thierry Ehrmann.)

Share



Related Stories

Photograph provided by Taylor AthleticsSilent Night has a history of attracting crazy costumes and many dedicated students.

How Silent Night went from pjs to crazy

By Markus Miller

Photograph provided by Elese BalesMany Christian colleges, including Indiana Wesleyan (shown above) and Taylor, are encountering decreased enrollment.

The future of Christian colleges looks grim

By Ellie Tiemens and Ansley Kary

Photograph provided by Jared HaganSocial media sites and the memes many provide have taken storm on campus.

Student social media accounts build community

By Ethan Rice


Most Popular


12/6/2019, 12:46pm

How Silent Night went from pjs to crazy

By Markus Miller

23rd official Silent Night to tip at 6 p.m.


11/15/2019, 11:00am

‘He said yes!’


11/15/2019, 11:00am

Appointments cap out at counseling center


12/6/2019, 11:00am

The future of Christian colleges looks grim


The Echo To Homepage
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Covers
  • Awards
  • Get Involved

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2019 The Echo

Powered by
Solutions by The State News.

Taylor University