Item 0760 - Nelson Mandela Day in the City of Seattle

Cream coloured certificate with the gold seal of the City of Seattle affixed to the lower right corner. Certificate text, in blue, gold, and black, reads:
City of Seattle Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Whereas, since 1962, Nelson Mandela has been imprisoned for his efforts to bring freedom and equality to the oppressed people of South Africa; and
Whereas, after twenty-seven years, the government of South africa, led by President F.W. de Klerk, have finally decided to free Nelson Mandelaand ease certain restrictions on the African National Congress and other opposition groups; and
Whereas, the release of Nelson Mandela is a victory for freedom-loving people throughout the world, and a hopeful sign that the winds of change which toppled the Berlin Wall may yet smash the hated apartheid regime in South Africa; and
Whereas, despite our joy at the release of Nelson Mandela, we cannot forget that 28 million black South Africans still live under the heel of apartheid, subject to the most brutal oppression and denied even the most basic human rights; and
Whereas, upon his release, Nelson Mandela stated "freedom cannot be given in half-doses. One is either free or not free... not until my people have achieved political equality, economic equality and social equality can we begin to relax the struggle."
Now, therefore, I, Norman B Rice, Mayor of the City of Seattle, do hereby proclaim February 11 as Nelson Mandela Day in Seattle, and urge everyone to celebrate the release of this great human rights leader and continue working toward the day when every person -- regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality -- enjoys true freedom and dignity.
Signed by: Norman B Rice, Mayor
NBR: mml
02/11/90