Item 1138 - Richard Allen Man of the Decade Award from the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Africa

Large rectangular wood plaque with gold bordering. Plaque has large engraved black plate, and bust of Richard Allen surrounded by gold wreath at the top.

Black plate, engraved in silver, reads:
The Richard Allen Man of the Decade Award in honor of the centennial Celebration of The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Republic of South Africa
Presented to The Honorable Nelson Mandella [sic], President of the Republic of South Africa
World Statesman, hero to countless millions, advocate of human rights and dignity for all people. A prisoner with pride, determined to defeat the forces of hatred, racism, sexism, and injustice. Vigilant at the task of making a difference in his country, and in the world. He has broken down the system of apartheid and built bridges of understanding, between humankind throughout the world. Honored by kings, Queens, Presidents, and World Leaders of every walk of life.
We, the bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Church on this 20th Day of January 1996, salute you as a model of African excellence.
Bishops of the A.M.E. Church
Bishop John Hurst Adams, Senior Biship Frederick H Talbot, H Hartford Brookins, Vinton R Anderson, Frederick C James, Frank C Cummings, Philip R Cousin, Sr., Donald G.K. Ming, Cornelius F Thomas, J Haskell Mayo, Harold B Senatle, Henry A Belin, Vernon B Byrd, John R Bryant, Robert Thomas, Jr., Richard A Chappelle, President, McKinley Young, Secretary, Robert B Webster, Zedekiah I Grady, C Garnett Henning, Robert I Pruitt, Located
Retired Bishops
D Ward Nichols, Hubert N Robinson, Henry W Murph, Richard A Hilderbrand