Black Women for Positive Change
National Civic Network
[email protected]
P.O. Box 78211, Washington, DC 20013
www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org
For Immediate Release
Contact: S. Myers 202-347-5566
Black Women for Positive Change Mourn the Passing of Nelson Mandela
Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC), a national, civic network of progressive,
activist women and “Good Brothers” extends condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela, the
first Black President of South Africa. “It is an honor to have lived during the same era as Nelson
Mandela,” stated Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, BW4PC National
Co-Chairs in a joint statement, “He was a giant of a man and the epitome of grace, dignity and
leadership. Nelson Mandela served as a role model of leadership for the world. He was a Nobel
Peace Prize Winner, a father, a husband and a diplomat, who in spite of spending 27 years in a
South African Prison, embraced men and women of all races and nationalities with humanity,
compassion and a spirit of reconciliation.”
The members of BW4PC feel sadness and express their sorrow to President Mandela’s
family and to the people of South Africa. Faye Morrison, Charter Member of BW4PC in Boston,
Massachusetts said, “I knew he was sick but, Nelson Mandela passing hurts.” Stephanie Myers,
National Co-Chair stated, “As college activists during the 1960’s, we demanded Nelson Mandel
be freed from prison, and I can remember dancing with joy the day he was released.” Patricia
Duncan, Charter Member of BW4PC in Denver, Colorado stated, “One of my favorite quotes from
President Mandela was ‘I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over
it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.’ He was truly
a leader to all mankind and has earned his eternal peace.”