By the Associated Press

 

MILWAUKEE — U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore says the world has lost a visionary leader and a hero for human rights with the death of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela.

 

The Democratic congresswoman and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with Mandela in 2005 in Washington. She says it was "a powerful moment that left an indelible mark."

 

Mandela died Thursday at the age of 95. He became South Africa's first black president after spending nearly one-third of his life as a prisoner of apartheid, a system of white racist rule that he described as evil.

 

Moore says Mandela's courage and strength freed a nation and reshaped history. She says his life is confirmation that hope and a steadfast dream of freedom will prevail over hatred and fear.

 

 

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