Community activists, MPs, charity leaders, and business leaders will come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black head of state and anti-apartheid activist.
Mandela passed away at the age of 95 in 2013 but his life and accomplishments continue to inspire people across the world.
The special book of remembrance for Nelson Mandela, signed by up to 700 people including former US President Barack Obama, poet Maya Angelou, Beatles superstar Sir Paul McCartney, and former Prime Minister David Cameron at the House of Commons, reflects the respect and admiration for Mandela’s accomplishments in his personal life and politics.
The book was opened by Nic Careem, of the Blue Sky Network social campaigning network, in 1999 as a tribute to one of the great and inspirational world figures of the 20th century.
The book will be prepared for publication in the spring of 2024 and will be re-published annually with more signatures added.
All profits from sales of the book will support children’s causes in the UK and across the world.
The signatories attending Parliament include:
Justin Placide and Junaed Khan, Co-chairs of the Civil Service Race Network, Dr Jak Beula, who installed the African and Caribbean war memorial in Windrush Square, and Lord Hussain of Luton, former diversity advisor to the deputy Prime Minister in the Cameron-Clegg government.
Sir Clive Lloyd (pictured left), the cricket legend, was also among the dignitaries who signed the Nelson Mandela tribute book.
Lloyd was the captain of the West Indies team that won the first two Cricket World Cups in 1975 and 1979.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in the history of the sport.
Mr Placide and Mr Khan expressed their pleasure to sign the Nelson Mandela tribute book on behalf of those who cherish the same values of peace, forgiveness, compassion, and human dignity. Lord Hussain was deeply pleased to be asked to sign this book as education was important to him, just as it was important to Nelson Mandela.
The long road to freedom is still in front of Kashmir, but he tried his best to mediate a solution in 1998, for which Lord Hussain is very grateful.
Mandela’s mission was to establish equality and freedom for all men, women, and children. He stood for the fundamental rights of all human beings, regardless of gender, nationality, or race.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight for what they believe in and to create a more just and equal society.
Michael Wallace QPM, the Co-founder of Kickoff at 3 and a serving Metropolitan Police officer, was also among the dignitaries who signed the Nelson Mandela tribute book.
Kickoff at 3 is a community initiative that aims to build stronger relationships between young people and the police through football tournaments.
Wallace’s signature in the tribute book highlights the importance of community policing and the need to strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
As a police officer, Wallace has dedicated his career to serving and protecting his community, and his involvement in Kickoff at 3 demonstrates his commitment to building bridges between young people and the police.
The inclusion of Wallace’s signature in the book of remembrance alongside other notable figures demonstrates the broad impact that Mandela had on people from all walks of life.
Mandela’s legacy of fighting for social justice and equality continues to inspire generations around the world, and his memory is honored by individuals and organizations that work to promote these values.
The fact that the book’s profits will support children’s causes in the UK and across the world also speaks to Mandela’s commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.
It is a fitting tribute
