The Nelson Mandela Monument will be the newest addition to the Fresno State Peace Garden, which houses monuments dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez and Jane Addams.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is renowned for his pivotal role in mobilizing resistance against institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. From the harsh conditions of imprisonment, Mandela emerged as a leader dedicated to racial reconciliation and social justice. As South Africa’s first democratically elected president, he led the African National Congress and successfully negotiated the end of apartheid after serving 27 years in prison. Mandela’s relentless efforts to dismantle oppressive laws and create goodwill among all communities show a path forward for uniting our divided societies.
Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus and a respected community leader who has spearheaded the planning of monuments in the Peace Garden since 1990, expressed his elation regarding the upcoming unveiling ceremony of the monument. “It is a dream come true to see that Nelson Mandela is now enshrined in the Peace Garden alongside other icons of peace, justice, nonviolence and human rights."
Join us for the unveiling of the monument from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, in the Peace Garden. This event is free and open to the public.
Presented by: Fresno State President's Office and The M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya.
Keynote speaker: Siyanulela Mandela, Ph.D., an independent consultant on Human Rights, International Development and Conflict Resolution.
For any inquiries contact: Dr. Veena Howard, director, The M.K. Gandhi Center at 559.278.2621 or vehoward@csufresno.edu.
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