Mandela and Me

Congressional Black Caucus members recall Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela - “Tread softly; breathe peacefully; laugh hysterically.”   (Photo: Mike Hutchings/Reuters)

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An Indelible Impression - After years spent battling apartheid and fighting for Nelson Mandela's freedom, a few lucky Americans eventually met the South African leader in person. Here Congressional Black Caucus members recall meeting Mandela and what it meant to them. — Joyce Jones (Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)

Rep. Barbara Lee (California) - “One of my proudest moments as a member of Congress was when I led the effort to remove Mr. Mandela and the ANC from the U.S. Terrorist Watch list in time for his 90th birthday. I served as an official election observer for the 1994 South African elections when President Mandela was first elected, and it was a magnificent reminder that perhaps one day my own country would elect an African American president."  (Photo: Courtesy Rep. Barbara Lee)

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Rep. Barbara Lee (California) - “One of my proudest moments as a member of Congress was when I led the effort to remove Mr. Mandela and the ANC from the U.S. Terrorist Watch list in time for his 90th birthday. I served as an official election observer for the 1994 South African elections when President Mandela was first elected, and it was a magnificent reminder that perhaps one day my own country would elect an African American president."  (Photo: Courtesy Rep. Barbara Lee)

Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) - "The first time I had a chance to meet him was in South Africa after his release from prison. He gave me this unbelievable hug. I will never forget it. He said, 'John Lewis, I know all about you. You inspired us.' I said, 'No, Mr. Mandela, you inspired us.' ...  I felt unworthy really to be standing at his side. I knew I was in the presence of greatness." (Photo: Courtesy of John Lewis)

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Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) - "The first time I had a chance to meet him was in South Africa after his release from prison. He gave me this unbelievable hug. I will never forget it. He said, 'John Lewis, I know all about you. You inspired us.' I said, 'No, Mr. Mandela, you inspired us.' ...  I felt unworthy really to be standing at his side. I knew I was in the presence of greatness." (Photo: Courtesy of John Lewis)

Del. Donna Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands) - "Of all of the people I have been fortunate to meet since coming to Washington, I consider myself most blessed to have been able to meet with and touch the hand of President Nelson Mandela. He is the finest manifestation of God's love on earth that I know!" (Photo: Courtesy of Congresswoman Donna Christensen)

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Del. Donna Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands) - "Of all of the people I have been fortunate to meet since coming to Washington, I consider myself most blessed to have been able to meet with and touch the hand of President Nelson Mandela. He is the finest manifestation of God's love on earth that I know!" (Photo: Courtesy of Congresswoman Donna Christensen)

Rep. Gwen Moore (Wisconsin) - "His courage and strength freed a nation and reshaped our history. In 2005, I had the honor and blessing of meeting this remarkable man. It was a powerful moment that left an indelible mark." (Photo: Courtesy of Gwen Moore)

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Rep. Gwen Moore (Wisconsin) - "His courage and strength freed a nation and reshaped our history. In 2005, I had the honor and blessing of meeting this remarkable man. It was a powerful moment that left an indelible mark." (Photo: Courtesy of Gwen Moore)

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Rep. Charles Rangel (New York) - "Mandela spent his entire life fighting and suffering for what was right, and he emerged from his battles with grace and good-humor, not anger or bitterness. He is my personal hero and I will never forget how humbled I felt when I first met him. Ever since that day, I have thought to myself: 'God spent a lot of time making Nelson Mandela.'" (Photo: Courtesy of Congressman Charles B. Rangel)

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Rep. Charles Rangel (New York) - "Mandela spent his entire life fighting and suffering for what was right, and he emerged from his battles with grace and good-humor, not anger or bitterness. He is my personal hero and I will never forget how humbled I felt when I first met him. Ever since that day, I have thought to myself: 'God spent a lot of time making Nelson Mandela.'" (Photo: Courtesy of Congressman Charles B. Rangel)

Rep. G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina) - "Nelson Mandela was an icon of the global community. He epitomized leadership, humanitarianism and activism. Since first learning of Mandela as a young man, I deeply admired his courage and revolutionary vision to end racism and inequality through racial reconciliation. In many ways, Mandela inspired my life and career. Unequivocally, there will never be another quite like Nelson Mandela.” (Photo: Courtesy of Congressman G. K. Butterfield)

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Rep. G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina) - "Nelson Mandela was an icon of the global community. He epitomized leadership, humanitarianism and activism. Since first learning of Mandela as a young man, I deeply admired his courage and revolutionary vision to end racism and inequality through racial reconciliation. In many ways, Mandela inspired my life and career. Unequivocally, there will never be another quite like Nelson Mandela.” (Photo: Courtesy of Congressman G. K. Butterfield)