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Jacksonville University's unique way of celebrating Nelson Mandela Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Say and Jacksonville University had a special celebration to highlight the icon's legacy.

The celebration started with bringing his daughter, Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, as a special guest to the campus, where she was presented with the presidential global citizens award.

During her speech, Dr. Mandela talked about many things, including her father’s legacy, but she also talked about things people can do to create a better society and her speech left many people inspired to make their communities better.

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Nelson Mandela  would have celebrated his 101st birthday if he were alive.

Jacksonville University celebrated by honoring his daughter for continuing his legacy of philanthropy.

Makaziwe Mandela spoke she talked about her passion for agriculture and food security and how people should aim to create better societies by teaching younger generations how to create wealth.

Many students, like Mincy Pollock, who attended the ceremony, said it left them with a new desire to be better citizens in their community.

“It was inspiring, just like being in royalty, being able to hear her story and hear her passion,” Pollock said.

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Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown also weighed in on what he took away from Dr. Mandela’s speech.

“Making sure to teach the next generation about being an entrepreneurship being self-sufficient and     closing the wealth gap,” Brown said.

Mandela said in order to change a society it takes a collaboration among everyone, no matter what their differences are.

“There is nothing that we cannot do together if we work together and love each other, and support each other and empower each other, with the tools and resources to live a good prosperous life,” Brown said.

Listening to the story of how Nelson Mandela sacrificed his life and was incarcerated away from his family for decades, all in the name of humanity, is something Pollock said will forever inspire him to try harder.

“It’s OK to sacrifice when it matters for the greater good,” Pollock said.