In a speech delivered Wednesday for Nelson Mandela Day, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reflected on the enduring relevance of Mandela's legacy, emphasizing that true solidarity requires action, not just reverence. Mamdani spoke at the launch of the Mandela Foundation Global Leadership Forum, calling on attendees to emulate Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice, even when it is uncomfortable.
Mandela's Humanity and Flawed Leadership
Mamdani, who grew up in Cape Town with a magnet of Mandela in a Bafana Bafana kit on his fridge, recalled that Mandela taught him justice must be material, not just ideal. He stressed that Mandela was not a saint but a flawed human, saying, 'It is his humanity that allows us to look towards the next generation of leaders and say sincerely: you, too, can be Madiba.'
The 1990 Town Hall: A Lesson in Unyielding Solidarity
Mamdani recounted a pivotal 1990 town hall with ABC News's Ted Koppel, where Mandela faced hostile questions. When asked about supporting the Palestinian cause and alienating the Jewish community, Mandela refused the premise, stating, 'Anybody who changes his principles depending on with whom he is dealing? That is not a man who can lead a nation.' Mamdani noted that Mandela's solidarity was universal and unyielding, even when contested.
Hypocrisy in Honoring Mandela
Mamdani criticized those who honor Mandela hypocritically, such as UK Tories who opposed sanctions in the 1980s but called him a 'true global hero' after his death, and the US government that kept Mandela on terrorist watchlists until 2008. He urged the audience to ask, 'Who are we treating today the way Madiba was treated before history declared him a messiah?'
Solidarity as a Strategy, Not Just a Value
Quoting Pope Francis, Mamdani said solidarity is uncomfortable. He argued that solidarity is not perfection or purity but 'people choosing one another, sometimes even over themselves.' He called for immediate action on Palestinian freedom, the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and Umar Khalid, and standing with immigrants targeted by ICE.
Conclusion: Acting When It's Dark Enough
Mamdani concluded by quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.' He urged collective action, saying, 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' The speech was a call to practice solidarity now, not after history's verdict.
