By Isseu Diouf Campbell
Several leaders including Ambassador of South Africa to the U.N. Kingsley Mamabolo, Consul General George Monyemangene, former Mayor David N. Dinkins, Imam Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur Rashid, Rev. Calvin Butts and the Rev. Al Sharpton converged to the Riverside Church on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 to honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., led the public memorial titled “Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the Life of President Nelson Mandela”.
Soul and R&B singer Goapele; the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble; the a cappella group Thokoza, and the percussion ensemble Ase Drumming Circle performed during the event.
The anti-apartheid activist and first black president of South Africa addressed the audience of the Riverside church during his first visit in the US after his release from 27 years of prison and also during his last visit in 2005.
