The “Mandela Legacy Hope, Success &Empowerment” award was presented through the Mandela Legacy Foundation as part of its 5th annual Black History Month Gala
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network Founder and President, was presented a prestigious award by Nelson Mandela’s family in recognition of Rev. Sharpton’s long history of achievements in advancing civil rights causes around the world. Rev. Sharpton received “The Mandela Legacy Hope, Success & Empowerment Award” at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, March 19th in Ottawa, Canada. Rev. Sharpton and Nelson Mandela met many times and worked alongside each other to make the world a more just place.
The award was presented by the legendary former South African President’s daughters, Her Excellency, Zindzi Mandela, Ambassador of South Africa in Denmark and Her Excellency Zenani Mandela, Ambassador of South Africa in Argentina. Also presenting the award was Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Zondwa Mandela. The ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, representatives of the Canadian government, members of the diplomatic corps and other recipients.
“Nelson Mandela is an icon who changed the course of the world and set an example for generations of activists like myself. Mandela inspired us to be better in every way, to transcend the pettiness that so often dominates our politics and to aspire to true equality. To receive this award – in his name and from his family – is one of the highest honors I’ve received,” said Rev. Sharpton.
“We are honored to be recognizing Rev. Al Sharpton, a renowned civil rights mover and shaker and it is a pleasure to be recognizing him on the very same stage that Nelson Mandela received his honorary Canadian citizenship in 2001,” said Gwen Madiba, Ambassador of the Nelson Mandela Legacy in Canada & the USA.
“These awards, on March 19th, are about celebrating empowerment, celebrating the values my grandfather stood for and celebrating the men and women who believe, as we do, that it is only through working together that people—all people—will achieve greatness,” said Zondwa Mandela, grandson to the late Nelson Mandela and co-founder of the Mandela Legacy Foundation.
Previous winners of the Hope Success & Empowerment award include Nelson Mandela, Michaelle Jean, the 27th Governor General of Canada, Secretary General of La Francophonie, Senator Romeo Dallaire and Canadian Top Model Stacey McKenzie.