Mandela8 are delighted to announce that the family of the revolutionary leader will return to the city this summer to officially open a new memorial in Princes Park.
The former President’s eldest daughter Dr Makaziwe ‘Maki’ Mandela and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela will travel to Liverpool to mark Mandela Day on July 18th 2023.
The year is also of great significance as it the ten year anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s death.
The permanent memorial in L8 will include a ‘Freedom Bridge’, a pavilion to be used as an outdoor classroom, as well as 32 cylindrical stone-works inscribed with inspirational quotes from Mandela himself. These works represent the oil drums Mandela used to grow an allotment on the rooftop of Pollsmoor Prison where Mandela was held during his prison sentence.
The works will reflect Nelson Mandela’s love of gardens and horticulture along with his struggle for freedom, equality and humanity. The spaces will be used for future activity in the park, acting as a focal point and an area to visit, reflect and educate.
Liverpool City Council made Nelson Mandela Freeman of the City in 1994.
On Saturday, Mandela8 patron and the first elected African-Caribbean woman to become a Government Minister in the UK, Dawn Butler will be in Liverpool to mark the 33rd anniversary of Mandela’s release, as well as to meet with Mandela8 to discuss the family’s visit.
The visit this summer is being organised by Toxteth-based charity Mandela8, which commissioned the official memorial. The charity is working in partnership with Liverpool City Council and other supporters include Heritage Lottery Fund UK, Uniglobal Union, Unison North West, FACT, The Sovini Group, MSB Solicitors, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and housing and regeneration group Torus, the Torus Foundation and the repairs and maintenance company owned by Torus, HMS.
Sonia Bassey MBE, Mandela8 Chair said:
“In addition to this Saturday being the 33 year anniversary since Nelson Mandela was released from prison, this year is the 10 year anniversary of his passing. 2023 is a really special year for Mandela8 and it seems fitting that our memorial will be installed this year in memory of one of the greatest leaders of our time. We are privileged and honoured to have Dr Maki and Tukwini Mandela officially open the memorial on the anniversary of what would have been their father and grandfather’s 105th birthday and look forward to their visit in July. Opening the memorial on Mandela Day will no doubt be a very emotional and significant moment for both Nelson Mandela’s family and the city of Liverpool.”
Dawn Butler MP said:
“It is an honour to be in Liverpool with Mandela8 on this historic day to mark the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after 27 years of wrongful incarceration.
“Mandela8 are doing phenomenal work to build a lasting memorial to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela right here in Liverpool. It has been my pleasure to see the project take shape and to join them in planning for the return of the Mandela family ahead of the formal opening on Mandela Day.
Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to me, and he inspired me to embark on a life of public service, to tackle racism and inequality wherever we may find it. I hope that this memorial will serve to inspire so many others to learn more about Nelson Mandela and his struggle for freedom.”
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