WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States President Barack Obama is honoring former South African president Nelson Mandela by renaming an African fellowship program after the anti-apartheid revolutionary leader. At the age of 95, Mandela passed away in December of 2013, a legend and symbol of the power of freedom.
After serving 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities, Mandela went on to become the first black president of South Africa. He was also the first candidate to be elected in a democratic government following the corrupt National Party.
One of the main goals of Mandela’s administration was to dismantle the institutionalized policies of racism, poverty and inequality that came with apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation enforced through legislation.
The soon to be re-named fellowship is currently called the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, which was launched by President Obama in 2010.
The fellowship is designed to give 500 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa leadership training at American universities. This training will include an opportunity for participants to meet with government officials, entrepreneurs and civil society members during their time in the U.S.
The announcement will be made officially on August 4 during a town hall meeting with guests participating in the ceremony and members of the fellowship.
At the meeting, President Obama will also announce a series of new public-private partnerships involving Africa, including a creation of four “Regional Leadership Centers” on the continent itself. These learning centers will include online classes and other resources to enhance the participants learning experience.
Obama emphasized the importance of improving and cultivating international relations between the U.S. and Africa during the summit of last year’s trip to South Africa. The next summit is set to occur in August.
Topics will include trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa. In addition, there will be a heavy focus on enhancing counterterrorism security. This is an urgent component of the agenda given recent events with terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
Obama seeks to honor Mandela’s bravery and determination but more importantly, his attention to a need for peace and mutual understanding.
Obama summed up Mandela’s philosophy and wisdom emphasizing that he admired “his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”
– Caroline Logan
Sources: USA Today, Global Good News, CBS
Photo: Parade