Remembering Nelson Mandela

Even though we all knew that Nelson Mandela had been ill for quite some time, it is still hard to hear of his passing. When greatness leaves us, it’s always heartfelt.

I first met Mandel in Boston in June of 1990. It was during his world tour after being released from prison in February of that year.

I lived in Boston then, and Boston was one of his first stops in the United States. His daughter, Zindzi Mandela also lived in Boston at the time.

I was with Zindzi just weeks ago at the premiere of “Mandela:  Long Walk to Freedom.” The film based on Mandela’s autobiography which chronicles his life and the 27 years he spent in prison.

My first memories with her father came during a luncheon for Mandela hosted by the Kennedy family at the JFK Library. The Kennedys enjoyed a long relationship with Mandela and his family. Boston was also one of the first cities in the U.S. to divest from South Africa in response to Apartheid.

My husband, Phil Hart and I were guests at that luncheon. Mandela arrived with Ted Kennedy on his left and Jackie Kennedy Onassis on his right. As always, Mandela was gracious, inspiring, stately, and his warmth was felt throughout the room.

I will always remember my moments to meet and greet him, and I will never forget the feeling of being in the presence of his greatness.

Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela.

Tanya Hart

I also had the pleasure of interviewing Winnie Mandela during that time, and the Duluth News Tribune just posted the transcript of that interview. My colleague Robin Washington is the author of the article and was the field producer on the shoot when we secured the interview. Winnie Mandela only did three interviews during her entire visit to the U.S.

“Click here to read the transcript of the June 23, 1990, interview between Winnie Mandela and Tanya Hart, formerly with WBZ-TV, along with and Danny Schechter, “South Africa Now,” and field produced by Robin Washington.”