“Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people&his country,he can rest in peace” #Madiba
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) December 5, 2013
South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela passed away at his home today. He was 95. Tributes and condolences flooded social networking websites as world leaders, former presidents, celebrities and citizens of the world remembered the anti-apartheid civil rights leader.
President Obama spoke on Mandela’s passing from the White House about 45 minutes after the announcement that Mandela had died.
“He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages,” said Obama, borrowing the words of Edwin M. Stanton, who, as Abraham Lincoln lay on his deathbed, said “He now belongs to the ages.”
In his prepared speech, Obama said Mandela was “a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice.”
Read the full transcript of Obama’s speech here.
May the life of Nelson Mandela long stand as the ultimate tribute to the triumph of hope. pic.twitter.com/Bgv5TpayBW
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) December 5, 2013
News broadcasters are deeply emotional, holding back tears as they speak about Mandela’s death.
— Lydia Polgreen (@lpolgreen) December 5, 2013
A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I've asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 5, 2013
My sincerest condolences to The Mandela family never will his countless efforts & sacrifice be… http://t.co/W11MVLwcCV
— Monica (@MonicaBrown) December 5, 2013
In a way, Mandela was both the “George Washington” and “Abraham Lincoln” of his country. We're so fortunate to have lived in his time.
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) December 5, 2013
I will never forget my friend Madiba. pic.twitter.com/UX21ZZG7cg
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) December 5, 2013
Photo: The Apollo Theater in Harlem remembers Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/PJGqTsMLh8 via @keithboykin
— Yvonne Bynoe (@YvonneBynoe) December 5, 2013
I'm hearing about Nelson Mandela's death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria. Sending prayers to Mandela's family. pic.twitter.com/i5ONBP9Xez
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela. What a difference one person can make. #RestEternally
— LL COOL J (@llcoolj) December 5, 2013
Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela – he was the greatest figure of the 20th century – a fascinating man pic.twitter.com/hsqfltcyO9
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela was an angel walking on this earth. You were one the greatest teachers this world has ever known. We love you and we miss you
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 5, 2013
One of the greatest men who's ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has… http://t.co/ztPkooNOIN
— Rihanna (@rihanna) December 5, 2013
In 2005 Nelson Mandela did yet another brave thing, announcing that his son had died Aids – at a time when the illness was taboo.
— Katty Kay (@KattyKayBBC) December 5, 2013
God Bless you Honorable Nelson Mandela! May you rest well. With Great Respect, Gratitude and Love! Lauryn
— Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) December 6, 2013
"If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." – #NelsonMandela, RIP & may your words live on… pic.twitter.com/4UiAsZ6imu
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) December 5, 2013
1 of the most treasured moments of my life was meeting @NelsonMandela. Being in the presence of a man who changed the world was incredible.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) December 6, 2013
The TV camera lights in front of the Mandela statue are casting his shadow on the South African embassy: pic.twitter.com/ZQRzURoA8I
— Matt Ford (@HemlockMartinis) December 6, 2013
New Yorker cover art by @KadirNelson, who also created the album art for Drake
