July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day
To commemorate the birth date of the great South African leader, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day”.
In its resolution 64/13 of November 2009, the UN highlights Nelson Mandela's values and his dedication to serving humanity through his work in the areas of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, and the defense of poor and underdeveloped communities. It also recognizes his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and to the promotion of a culture of peace worldwide.
People of African descent
Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013) is, without a doubt, one of the great emblems of his time in the defense of black rights against apartheid and a symbol of a resounding breaking of the long-standing ideological and ethnic barrier that was achieved thanks to his pacifist preaching.
His tireless battles earned him 27 years in prison and the title of "Father of the South African Nation". "Throughout my life I have dedicated myself to this struggle for the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a free and democratic society in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. This is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." he repeated with conviction.
He went from his tribe to prison. From behind bars to freedom. And from there to the presidency of South Africa as the first Black president elected by universal suffrage in his country. His kind smile always accompanied him and left a mark on humanity.
One hundred and one years after his birth, Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to shape the lives of the 130 million people of African descent living in Latin America and the Caribbean, who continue their struggle for equality. The new land welcomes them with the illusion of opportunity, while in many countries of our region, they face unemployment and inequality, particularly women.
Now, the UN, the same organization that is rescuing Mandela's legacy, faces the challenge of fulfilling its commitment to successfully implement the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," presented as "an opportunity for countries and their societies to embark on a new path to improve the lives of all, leaving no one behind.” Their ambitious goals range from eliminating poverty to combating climate change, encompassing education, gender equality, environmental protection, and the design of our cities.
The current situation is ripe for states to incorporate Afro-descendant populations into their policies as subjects of full rights. And for Nelson Mandela's great legacy to not remain merely on paper and in tributes.
At CLACSO
The Latin American Council of Social Sciences has been addressing the issues faced by Afro-descendants for some time. We recommend two works:
Afro-descendants: Voices in resistance – Rosa Campoalegre Septien (Editor) (CLACSO – CIPS) Collection Anthologies of Latin American and Caribbean Social Thought – Silenced Thoughts Series. Includes, among several authors, an article by Marielle Franco, the Brazilian activist murdered in 2018.
http://biblioteca.clacso.edu.ar/clacso/se/20180712070816/Afrodescendencias.pdfBeyond the Decade for People of African Descent – Rosa Campoalegre Septien and Karina Bidaseca (Editors) (CLACSO – CIPS) Collection Anthologies of Latin American and Caribbean Social Thought – Silenced Thoughts Series. Includes, among several authors, an article by Rita Segato.
http://biblioteca.clacso.edu.ar/clacso/se/20171006013311/Mas_alla_del_decenio.pdf
Virtual seminar: Race, gender and rights from the perspective of coloniality Coordinate Rita Segato
Race, gender and rights from the perspective of coloniality
