Originally Posted by Kunjufu

Mandela urges Britain's black leaders to help empower community

Hugh Muir
Tuesday August 28, 2007
The Guardian

Nelson Mandela will tonight warn Britain's black leaders they must play a key role in efforts to tackle conflict and under-achievement in the inner cities.

The former South African president will tell an audience of high achievers that they must beware of cutting themselves off from the less fortunate and show that they are bringing their expertise to bear.

The strong message is being delivered against the backdrop of this month's government-backed Reach report into gangs and inner-city deprivation which said black teenagers need a new generation of role models, aside from the usual group of musicians and sports stars. It called for more mentoring and outreach work.

Mr Mandela's message will be heard by a large group of black businessmen and women, celebrities, politicians, journalists and financiers who will meet for the mayor of London's inaugural Black Leaders Dinner at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair.

Organisers say part of the rationale for the event is to show that there are many unsung black success stories throughout a wide range of professions but that they are rarely focused on by the media.

The guest list ranges from Stanley Musesengwa, the chief operating officer of Tate & Lyle, to figures such as Naomi Campbell, Thandie Newton, Richard Taylor, father of Damilola Taylor, Anthony Hamilton, father of Lewis Hamilton, the former sports star and TV presenter Ian Wright and England footballer Sol Campbell.

Most of those invited feature in a list of the 50 most powerful black men and women in the UK compiled by the New Nation newspaper; rankings topped by Damon Buffini, the boss of private equity firm Permira, and Baroness Scotland, the attorney general.

Mr Mandela is in Britain for the unveiling of his statue in Parliament Square and the dinner is being held in his honour.

The message, which is signed and will be handed to each attendee, reads: "It is important for you as leaders to harness those responsibilities and ensure that you also empower those around you who scale the mountains with you."

A source close to the event said: "What the event shows is that people are making great strides in all kinds of fields. These are the great black role models that everyone has been calling for. There are many people doing things that all young men and women could aspire to and we have hundreds of those role models together in one room. It is a great achievement."

The event is taking place amid growing concern about the alienation of youths in the inner cities and fears that many drift into gangs merely because they see no more attractive future for themselves.

There is continuing discussion within black communities about the extent to which they should expect help from the authorities and the degree to which they are able, or should be able, to help themselves.

Last week, the Rev Jesse Jackson launched Equanomics, an attempt to address inequalities by focusing on the economic situation of black communities.

The intervention of Mr Mandela may be timely as his stock is even higher among black professionals than the wider community. Tomorrow's unveiling marks the end of a long battle to recognise his achievements. The sculpture, the work of the late Ian Walters, was earmarked for Trafalgar Square but Westminster city council said it was inappropriate in that setting and the matter went before a planning inquiry which found in the authority's favour. Parliament Square has since been accepted by Westminster and the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, as a good compromise.

Originally Posted by Kunjufu

Mandela urges black leaders to tackle inner-city conflict


Hugh Muir and agencies
Tuesday August 28, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Nelson Mandela will tonight urge black leaders in Britain to play their part in the battle against conflict and under-achievement in inner cities.

The former South African president, who met the prime minister, Gordon Brown, this afternoon, will send a stark warning to a groundbreaking meeting of high achievers.

In a statement, Mr Mandela will say they must beware of cutting themselves off from the less fortunate and show that they are bringing their expertise to bear.

The strong message is being delivered against the backdrop of this month's government-backed Reach report into gangs and inner-city deprivation, which said black teenagers needed a new generation of role models.

Mr Mandela's signed comments have been sent to the black businessmen and women, celebrities, politicians, journalists and financiers who will meet for the mayor of london's inaugural black leaders' dinner at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair.

Organisers say part of the idea of the event is to show that there are many unsung black success stories throughout a wide range of professions that are rarely focused on by the media.

Mr Brown welcomed Mr Mandela for private talks at No 10 by paying tribute to him as the "greatest and most courageous leader of our generation".

"It's such a privilege to have Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, here today and I'm looking forward to our discussions."

Mr Mandela said he was "proud" to be inside No 10 and joked: "My wife and I are happy to be here because, as you know, this was one of our rulers, but we overthrew them ... We are on an equal basis now."

The guest list includes Stanley Musesengwa, the chief operating officer of Tate and Lyle; the model Naomi Campbell; Damilola Taylor's father, Richard Taylor; and the former England footballer Ian Wright.

Most of those invited feature in a list of the UK's 50 most powerful black and women compiled by the New Nation newspaper.

"Mr Mandela's message is that these people have done well, but they should not forget those who have not and they should not underestimate the contribution they can make," a source close to the event said.

"They have climbed the ladder. Now they should help others to do the same. These are the great black role models that everyone has been calling for.

"There are many people doing things that all young men and women could aspire to and we have hundreds of those role models together in one room. It is a great achievement."

The event takes place amid growing concern about the alienation of youths in inner cities and fears that many drift into gangs merely because they see no more attractive future for themselves.

Tomorrow, the prime minister will join Mr Mandela and the London mayor, Ken Livingstone, in Parliament Square for the ceremonial unveiling of a nine-foot bronze statue of the Nobel peace prize winner.

Originally Posted by Tahliba

Was Mandella 'brought over here to appeal on gun crime' Or was he over here already, doing the media tour. And asked to comment on "crime and the community"???

I do know that the only place I heard this story was here on this board. Was it a big story ie reported widely. Or was it just an interview/article?

I also recall around the time this thread was created that Jessie Jackson was touring the country talking about " crime in our community" and how we should tackle it.

Nelson Mandela or Jessie Jackson? Everyone has got opinions that get voiced....
Except those of the very communities that are directly affected by this 'crime'

The only reason you all listen (and concequently not hear) is because of their 'celebrity status'

If anything is worth discussion let alone argument over, it is the 'crime situation' itself. Not who should and shouldn't comment on it.

But given the comments posted by both Kunjufu and LeMoor there is clearly a need for a seperate thread on South Africa Post Aparthied. And maybe even on Mandella.

@Fred

I think K was just making a point with the mayor comparrison. I am sure he is well aware of his history.