By Chuck Quirmbach

 

African-American leaders in Wisconsin are lamenting the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

 

Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin's only African-American member of Congress, met Nelson Mandela in 2005. Rep. Moore says Mandela reaffirmed to all that hope and a steadfast dream of freedom will prevail over hatred and fear. She says the world has lost a visionary leader and hero for human rights.

 

Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis is an honorary consul to the Republic of South Africa. Davis says Mandela emerged from a political prison more resolute where lesser men — many men — would have given up hope.

 

State Rep. Mandela Barnes, whose father named him after the late South African leader, also says Mandela's attitude coming out of prison was inspiring. “Had he come out with anger and reacted in a different way, he wouldn't be the world-renowned figure he came to be.”

 

Barnes says he's also been inspired by Mandela's commitment to human rights and social justice.

 

 

To view this article and listen to the broadcast online, please click here.