Nelson Mandela: His Life and Legacy in South Africa

In my opinion, a person has to visit South Africa to truly understand the impact that Nelson Mandela or at least this is how it happened for me.  We were required to read Mandela’s memoir A Long Walk to Freedom in preparation for the trip.  Honestly, I read about 200 pages before departure and more pages on the long flights to Cape Town.  While reading the book, the reader gets a better understanding of how many events in Mandela’s life set the stage for what was to come later.  Another class assignment was to talk to people about their feelings regarding Nelson Mandela and in contrast to American politics, he is not a polarizing figure.  One cab driver said that Mandela is the reason why Black people have their freedom. 

En route to Robben Island

We visited Robben Island, the prison where he spent 18 years of his life.  To get to Robben Island, one has to take a ferry ride.  From personal experience, it is quite unstable and if the waves are high, you can certainly feel the impact.  On the ferry ride, I began to think about how Mandela’s family was able to visit him on the island and after reading the 600 page memoir, I learned that Winnie Mandela was only able to visit Robben Island a handful of times over the 18 years he was there.  She endured the ferry ride only to have 30 minutes of a non-contact visit with her husband. 

On the grounds of Robben Island

Nelson Mandela's cell 

Dietary restrictions based on race for prisoners

We also got to see Mandela’s cell, as well as the lime quarry where he had to work for years and the area where he and other prisoners were forced to break rocks to keep them busy during the day.  Prisoners were forced to sleep on straw mats and were subject to horrible diets.  Because Mandela was a political prisoner, he was isolated from the majority of prisoners because officials believed that he would influence them.  (Apparently, they did realize that Mandela would still have means of communicating with them).  Again, the book came to life for me and the visit was nothing short of humbling.  Today, Robben Island is used as a museum and museum staff members live on the grounds.  

Many other places in South Africa are dedicated to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, such as the Apartheid Museum.  (No pictures were allowed inside, sorry!)  Inside the museum holds a red Benz that was given to him upon his release from prison after 27 years.  You can easily find Mandela’s memoir and other books written about his life at the museums and in special sections at airport bookstores.  


Today, Mandela is 94 years old, married to his third wife, and living comfortably in a wealthy, gated community in Johannesburg.  It is quite the contrast to his childhood and confinement for 27 years of his life, yet well-deserved for a man who sacrificed his personal life to be the voice of the people.

Upon exiting Robben Island - very powerful

 

Post Township Visit Reflections

In the past five days, I’ve probably experienced every emotion possible, including anger and downright disgust.  Yes, there are parts of South Africa where people do not have clean sources of water or reliable sources of electricity.  It doesn’t seem like this should exist when there are so many people living in luxury and this is the contrast that is true in South Africa (and parts of the United States for that matter).  The legalized system of apartheid ended in 1994 with the first ever democratic election in South Africa, but that doesn’t mean the remnants of history don’t still play out nearly 20 years later. 

            We went to visit Langa, a township located right outside of Cape Town and the difference between the poor and those with steady incomes was very evident, even within this community.  Our tour guide was born and raised in the township and spoke of his home with so much pride.  He currently resides in the township and sounded like he had no intention to move out anytime soon.  As we walked through the area, he spoke to everyone and the kids playing in the streets stopped and ran to him without hesitation.  In all honesty, I felt like I was in the midst of a Feed the Children commercial, as the same children showed our group the same amount of friendliness, yet they seemed to look like we would be able to provide them with something, probably money or food.
           Some people in the group talked about how cute the kids were. Last time I checked, there were poor kids (of all races) in our own backyard even, so what makes these little Black kids so “cute?” Some even remarked about how they wanted to live in the area.  Very few people will relinquish the luxuries they have to live in shacks, where they have no control over the elements, stray dogs, trash in the street, unclean water and unreliable sources of electricity.  *cue all sorts of side-eyes*
           None the less, the experience in the township was a learning experience.  I saw pride among residents, a true sense of community and family.  This also held true in the second township we visited, Soweto, located outside of Johannesburg.  Soweto is also the township in which Nelson Mandela lived in before spending nearly three decades in prison.  Everybody seems to know everybody and they represent for where they live.  I can’t say that I would want to live in either place, but that is not the point of this trip and the visit to the townships.  The point is to understand how freedom is not freedom for everyone.  Life for Blacks is better, but there is still more work to do here (and at home) in order to provide equal access to education, health care and employment for all. 

More Motherland moments coming soon!

Crystal Nance: International Traveler

So much is happening already and it’s only been 24 hours! Before getting into what took place on our first full day in Cape Town, I must backtrack and talk about the international travel experience.  My trip started early on the morning of May 13, with a shuttle ride to Phoenix at 2:30 AM.  The first flight of the trip was a 3 hour ride to Atlanta and then, there was an 8 hour plane ride from Atlanta to Amsterdam. OMG.
Talk about what felt like forever!  There are perks to flying internationally: food and entertainment.  I’ve been used to a drink and maybe some peanuts, but on the first flight, I was able to enjoy a full meal of pasta, salad, bread and a brownie.  I did some sleeping and some reading on the flight as well and got a painful reminder of just how uncomfortable flights can be for people with long legs (*makes mental note to fly first-class on the next trip*)
We had a 3 hour layover in Amsterdam, so there was enough time to eat and explore the airport.  The plane touched down there at about 6 AM local time and there weren’t many places open initially.  I got some Starbucks and I won’t think too hard about the fact that I paid $11 American dollars for a hot chocolate and bottle of water…
Anywho, I had to mentally prepare for the big one: a whole 11 hours in the air.  Surprisingly, I slept off and on for 8 hours, which made the flight much better than I expected.  It was a true relief to get off the plane and begin the adventure in South Africa.  We all have our views of what countries in Africa look like, but I promise you, the airport in Cape Town looks just like any major airport in the United States. So modern. So busy with people.
By the time we arrived in Cape Town, it was already 9 PM on Monday, but I can’t even say exhausted is the word I would use to describe how I felt.  Anxious and excited are a bit more appropriate.  Oh yeah, a little hungry too. 
Now that I know what the long flights feel like, I’m much more prepared for the trip home.  However, it is way too early to think about that! Stay tuned…more chronicles of this international journey are coming soon!

Decreasing the Gap in Higher Education, One Student at a Time

     In about a month, I will grace the stage at Northern Arizona University in recognition of the accomplishment of a master’s degree.  Lately, I even have to pinch myself about the realness of this situation.  Not that it wasn’t attainable, but that I’ve done it so fast, all the while balancing work, school, life and my much needed trips out of Flagstaff each month.  Growing up, the question for me wasn’t about was I going to college, but instead, where I was going.  What I've always seen as reality, is sometimes just a fantasy for some.  Read on for how I was able to put many things into a whole new perspective.

     I just had the opportunity to watch a film, “First Generation,” a documentary that chronicles the journey of four high school students with ambitions of college, but a lack of money was an obstacle for these students with limited knowledge of the entire college process.  In one case, the high school counselor intervened to assist the student as he navigated the college process, even stepping in when the student had not received a financial aid award letter by June.  For the most part, the parents were supportive of their children and their dreams.  On the other hand, the talk of college made the parents realize their helplessness when it came to assisting their students in paying for college.

     This documentary made me think about two things: the true privilege I have (and have had) by not being a first-generation college student, as well as the privilege of having attained multiple degrees.  I get it, everybody doesn’t want to go to college, but don’t we have the obligation as a society to help those who want to go? Statistically and realistically, college graduates will earn more in their lifetime than non-college graduates.  Degree attainment gives students the opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty that plagues many communities.  Besides the financial benefit of a degree, there are the intangible benefits of the college experience such as learning time management, the creation and expansion of network, in addition to reassurance. 

     This documentary also had me thinking about the role that I play at the university with parents.  There are some parents that are very active in their students’ college experience, but what about those parents that have no idea what is going on?  How do we help them?  This film proves this: parental outreach begins before students even step foot on campus.  How do we get them to understand the admissions and financial aid process?  It is easy to assume that parents have a general understanding of what is going on, however, human nature shows that we can easily shy away from things we don’t understand.

     My challenge to myself, my colleagues and other adults with access to students who want to attend college, as well as the parents of those students, is to be a resource.  Talk to them, make sure they talk to their counselors, express the benefits of the college experience to them.  Furthermore, do the same with their parents.  Show them there is no need to fear what they do not understand.  Finally, think about how you can (in your respective capacity), assist President Obama in making sure that the United States produces the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020. 

Pre-South African Chronicles...96 Days and Counting

I’m going to South Africa and Botswana! I hope my excitement about this trip is bursting through your computer screen!
            It’s crazy… in 96 days (as of Tuesday, February 6, 2012), I will be departing the United States en route to the Motherland.  Before I started college, I had never even been outside of the Midwest, so to venture to another country truly demonstrates the growth I’ve experienced in the last six years. 
            I imagine that this trip will be something like life changing, humbling, exciting, intimidating, and a host of other adjectives.  The purpose of the trip is to visit post apartheid South Africa and the democratic country of Botswana, then to do some comparison of these two places.  Unfortunately, our initial images of our African people are those of barely clothed people in jungle like environments.  I know that many African countries are not like this and I’m excited to experience such environments with my own eyes.  (Don't worry, there will be LOTS of pictures).  On the contrast, people probably believe that Americans live like the Kardashians, but we know that millions of people are currently debating on whether to pay a bill or feed their children.  (Sounds like another topic to tackle and blog about another day).
            Anyway, preparation for this trip has been fairly simple.  Applying for the program through NAU’s Center for International Education was the first step.  After Dr. Michelle Harris came to visit one of our Black Student Union meetings, I was 95% convinced that I would go on the trip. (I was still debating about the Student Affairs trip to Asia as well).  After being accepted to the program, I had to start the process of getting the necessary shots.  Thank God for insurance that will cover all of my necessary shots! I have to take some malaria pills, the only out of pocket immunization cost. 
         I keep thinking back and wishing that I had taken advantage of study abroad opportunities while I was in undergrad.  Then, I start to think about the importance of timing and undoubtedly, God’s timing is perfect.  I wasn’t ready for such excursions and now, I’m at a point where I can start small (a two week trip) and work my way up.  Also, the fact that this trip leaves the day after graduation is nothing short of divine and I’ll be back in time to fulfill my work duties (with three days to spare). I’m fortunate in the sense that the credits I’m earning on this trip will also count toward my master’s degree. I’ll count this as a definite win!

Reality TV and the Distortion of the Term "Celebrity"

“You are a non mothaf****n factor, b**ch!” – Evelyn Lozada, Basketball Wives

“Who gone check me, boo?” – Sheree Whitfield, Real Housewives of Atlanta

Two of the most famous lines in reality tv, quoted by two unlikely “celebrities.”

I put celebrities in quotation marks because although the word is defined as someone who is well known, I question the validity and longevity of this celebrity status.  Is it even warranted? 

Growing up, there were plenty of sitcoms to go around, arguably even one that premiered a new episode on each weeknight.  I remember watching Moesha, My Wife and Kids, among others, as they first premiered.  As horrid as the name Moesha is, it still depicted a teenage girl dealing with things teenagers go through, such as school, the temptation to experiment with sex and alcohol, and parents.  I’m not sure when the reality tv phenomenon hit full speed, but it has surely taken off with no signs of ending. 

Shows such as Basketball Wives and Real Housewives of Atlanta are nothing but pure entertainment to me.  Honestly, there is nothing about these franchises that screams “role model;” instead, there is a bunch of screaming, belittling of other women and otherwise unknown people that have been able to upgrade from Fords to Range Rovers, thanks to us, the viewers.  I can’t lie; I watch these shows.  I’m not glued to the television counting down the seconds to the premiere of a new episode, but I do know what is going on.  I find that it is a basis for judgment on my part as a viewer, from the style of dress to the type of things these ladies say and do.

What is my issue? I’m trying to figure out what a celebrity is, as well as this idea of fame.  For example, the premise of Basketball Wives is to showcase the women behind the NBA players, yet the problem is, these men have left the cast behind.  What does that mean? The women on the show are the former fiancés and girlfriends of NBA players.  Not to knock the hustle, but how many are currently in a relationship or marriage with an NBA player? I’ll wait.

The idea to talk about this topic stemmed from an article I read last week about Evelyn Lozada coming out with a book. 

Pump the brakes.

I’ll admit, my first reaction wasn’t one of excitement.  It was more like, “Did this chick even go to college?” and “What could she possibly have to say in a book?”  I also started thinking about what her true claim to fame is: dating professional athletes.  Is it a surprise that the book series about the same topic? 

There are some positive moments that have played out on these shows, such as the women giving back to charities and interacting with their children.  I only use Basketball Wives and Real Housewives of Atlanta as examples simply because I wonder if people see these shows and think all Black women are like that.  Again, these shows are for pure entertainment, but I think we should proceed with caution when giving out titles, such as celebrity and star.  While we are at it, let’s rethink this famous thing as well.   

It Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White...Right?

Michael Jackson posed this question with his song recorded back in 1991.  In his video, he is seen dancing with people off all cultures, including African American, Caucasian and Native American, just to name a few.  Without knowing Michael Jackson personally, it is evident that he had a genuine love for people, regardless of skin color.  20 years later, I would argue that in fact it does matter if you’re black, white, brown, purple, pink or yellow.  Equally so, it matters where you live. 

Take the state of Arizona for example.  In 2010, the state Senate passed a bill that would make it legal for law enforcement to verify a person’s immigration status if there was “reasonable suspicion.”  Without directly saying so, the bill targeted people that appeared to be Hispanic and Mexican, considering the 460,000 illegal immigrants in the state and the fact that Mexico is only a hop away.  Parts of the law have been blocked and now it is up to the Supreme Court to decide if the state can uphold this legislation.

Additionally, the House of Representatives passed a bill banning ethnic studies in public schools.  The consequence for teaching ethnic studies would be the loss of money for a school district.  I had the opportunity to watch a documentary on Northern Arizona University’s campus entitled Precious Knowledge.   The documentary followed students participating in the Mexican American studies courses at Tucson High School.  The fight to ban courses such as these were lead by state superintendent (currently attorney general for the state) Tom Horne who believed that students were learning how to overthrow the United States government.  His idea is that students should be taught American values and the courses they were in were teaching oppression.  Horne also argues that race does not matter and that schools should be teaching individuality.  The funniest part of his argument in my opinion is his use of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, the part where he dreams of a day when his children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  If Dr. King were alive to hear his words used in this context, I would imagine that he would look with a side eye.  Just saying. 

If students were learning about all types of people in regular American history, besides slavery and oppression, maybe there wouldn’t be a need for these courses.  The crazy part is that these courses at Tucson High School, where this whole debate began, was open to all students at the high school.  It makes sense that Chicano students would represent the majority of enrollment in these courses, but it is self-imposed exclusion on the part of the non-Chicano students is they don’t see the benefit. 

I say all of this to say, color, race, and ethnicity do matter.  On the other hand, it matters how much power we give to the thoughts and perceptions people have about our particular cultures.   It is evident that we cannot depend on public education to teach us about all people, so we must do so on our own and in our private lives.  It is hard to combat state legislation such as House Bill 2281 and Senate Bill 1070, once they has been passed, but it surely makes you think twice during elections.  My personal philosophy is that we should accept what makes us individuals and for me, being Black is apart of that individuality.   A person’s race doesn’t make them better or worse; it is simply apart of who they are and yes Michael, it does matter.