Assembly Resolution No. 795

BY: M. of A. Zinerman

COMMEMORATING the observance of Nelson Mandela
International Day in the State of New York on July
18, 2022

WHEREAS, Mandela Day is a global initiative proposed by 46664 and
the Nelson Mandela Foundation as a day to honor and celebrate former
South African President Nelson Mandela and his legacy; and

WHEREAS, Mandela Day held on Nelson Mandela's birthday, July 18th,
will be an opportunity for people around the world to take some time to
make a contribution to the world around them; and

WHEREAS, The hope is that Mandela Day will serve as a global call to
action for people to realize their individual power to make a
difference, and to make an imprint; and

WHEREAS, To mark this day, a series of events will be held around
the world to honor this great man who not only helped to topple the
oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa, but helped to lead the
world in speaking out about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how we must all
act to stop the spread of this disease; and

WHEREAS, New York City will be the center of this year's
celebrations with a series of events featuring 46664 music, film and
entertainment ambassadors; and

WHEREAS, Such a day can serve to bring people together from around
the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation; this
initiative is supported by people from all circles around the world to
use this day as an opportunity for community work; and

WHEREAS, Born in Transkei, South Africa, on July 18, 1918, Nelson
Mandela is one of the most well-known anti-apartheid activists in South
Africa; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, Nelson Mandela was jailed for leading the
liberation movement against apartheid and for his stance on the human
right to live in freedom; his prisoner number was 466 and the year was
1963 when he was imprisoned on Robben Island, off Cape Town in South
Africa; the Robben Island prisoners were never referred to by their
names, but rather by their numbers and year of imprisonment, hence 46664
was Nelson Mandela's number; and

WHEREAS, Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990, fed political
debates in the country and contributed to South Africa's transition
towards a multi-racial democracy; and

WHEREAS, After his release, Nelson Mandela continued addressing
racial issues in his country and supported reconciliation initiatives,
and from 1994-1999, he served as South Africa's President; he and former
South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk, won the 1993 Nobel
Peace Prize for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid

regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South
Africa; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Nelson Mandela formed the Elders, an independent
group of global leaders who offer their influence and experience to
support peace building, help address major human suffering causes and
promote shared interests of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Even though the first Mandela Day was launched in New York
on July 18, 2009, it was not until November 10, 2009, that the United
Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution officially declaring July
18 as "Nelson Mandela International Day"; and

WHEREAS, The day marks Nelson Mandela's contribution to peace
through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human
rights, international democracy and reconciliation, and in addressing
racial issues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of Nelson Mandela International Day in the
State of New York on July 18, 2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.