(00:00:00) With news from Minnesota Public Radio. I'm Greta Cunningham the state canvassing board met this morning to certify results of the November 7th general election in Minnesota board members approved a plan to recount votes by hand in house district. 57a were dfl art nor slaybeck of Maplewood defeated incumbent Republican Jim ciphered of Woodbury by just 67 votes Brad King election director for the Secretary of State's office as hand County will ensure that every vote is counted since two types of voting systems are used in the district. The ballast used in both cases are Optical scan ballots. We can be thankful that there are no Chad's in Minnesota the canvassing board certified results in the second district Congressional race in which Republican Mark Kennedy defeated dfl incumbent David Minge by 155 votes a lawyer for Minge plans to file a lawsuit within a day or so seeking a recount officials with the Moorhead public service utilities say they have enough new customers to build a second wind turbine utilities marketing director says it took less than a month to sign of the Ceri 435 customers agreeing to pay slightly more for wind power to make the project viable moorhead's capture. The wind program is the only municipality owned program of its type in the state work on the second turbine is set to begin soon a district judge in Duluth has cleared the way for a new golf course of Journey the Spirit Mountain ski area developers say they paid for extensive Environmental Studies, which show the golf course will not be harmful but opponents of the project filed a lawsuit asking the court to force developers to do more environmental review Golf Course opponent, Nancy Nelson calls ruling disappointing developers plan to have the new golf course and hotel operating by the summer of 2002 forecast for Minnesota today calls for partly cloudy skies Statewide. There's a possibility of some snow in eastern Minnesota. It will be cold today with high temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees right now in Duluth report of snow a temperature of 40 degrees guys are fair in Rochester and 11 and in the Twin Cities Fair Skies a temperature of 40. That's a news update. I'm Greta Cunningham. Thanks Greta eight minutes. Now past twelve o'clock broadcasts of Minnesota meeting are supported by Oppenheimer wolf and Donnelly LLP with offices in Minneapolis. St. Paul and at Oppenheimer.com providing legal services to businesses around the world and good afternoon. Welcome back to midday. And today we are presenting a Minnesota meeting featuring one of the world's most one of the men who is the most widely respected men in the world. Former South African president Nelson, Mandela Nelson, Mandela, of course has come to symbolize the successful fight against apartheid in South Africa. He served 27 years in a South African prison for challenging the apartheid system, but in 1990, he was finally freed from prison in 1993 Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize with then South African president FW de klerk for his work towards peace and Racial equality. Just a year later. Just four years after being released from prison Nelson. Mandela was elected president in South Africa's first all re-selection. Well, a Myers admirers of Nelson Mandela packed a ballroom in the Minneapolis Helton last night to honor Nelson Mandela. This was his first visit to the Upper Midwest and he chose to speak at a fundraiser for the Minneapolis chapter of the National Association for the advancement of colored people a program that was conducted in association with the Minnesota meeting during his speech Nelson. Mandela said that while he struggled to end apartheid in South Africa, he was inspired by the naacp's work to end racism in America. The NCAA NAACP is still an inspiration. He said for South Africa's continuing struggle to end racism and discrimination before Nelson Mandela spoke leaders from the NAACP and the Twin Cities Community shared their thoughts about Nelson Mandela's life and work. The speakers are that you'll hear today are introduced by Harris Faulkner of KSTP TV one of the first speakers at last night's event was Frank Humphrey the third a member of the naacp's national board of directors. Here's Frank Humphrey the third president Nelson Mandela. I like so many here tonight cannot help but feel the robust Spirit of your conviction and dedication. However, the stately presence of your meekness and service to your fellow man speaks volumes of your resolve human dignity and social justice. Your presence here today Provide support to the human struggle of all Races the cross the barriers of ignorance of intolerance and bias suppositions. I can't help president Mandela, but remember your words I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve but if it needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. It is an enormous pleasure for me to bring greetings to you. Mr. President Mandela sir to you Branch President, Ricky Granville and to all the members and supporters of the NAACP Minneapolis Branch. There is indeed a little doubt that people within this country and our world must deal resolve to live together and peace and love the fervent efforts of the Minneapolis Brands to address the vessel vaccine social issues of homelessness and the unequal education for our children and discrimination and employment reinforce the naacp's commitment to social justice and equality for all. The varying results of the recently concluded National and State political elections that occurred across our country on Tuesday, November 7th reaffirmed the critical need for the NAACP moreover. The presence here today a president Mandela should fervently remind us of our individual responsibility to be disciplined participate errs in the Democratic electoral and get this the daily governing process to ensure that public policy is reflective of societal values that will build stronger families and stronger communities as we Embark upon another year the naacp's most Urgent and formidable task remains to make certain that every citizen is registered and formed and fully capable of casting his or her vote. You're in ACP national board and extended family Applause the work and dedication of the Minneapolis Branch our encouragement extends to letting you know that there is room at the table for everyone that is willing to just roll up their sleeves and go to work. We wish for each participant in this auspicious occasion to enjoy this historic evening your time spent together and most importantly a genuine appreciation for the value of each other my very best regards. (00:07:43) Thank you very much. Mr. Humphrey. (00:07:45) It is my pleasure to introduce. This year's Freedom fund banquet chair. Mr. Douglas leather Dale chairman and CEO of the st. Paul companies. Nelson Mandela What (00:08:03) an extraordinary (00:08:04) man? He is one of the greatest moral and political leaders of our time. He is an international hero. He has dedicated his life to the (00:08:20) fight against racial oppression. (00:08:24) For that he was elected the leader of his nation and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. the NAACP the nation's largest and strongest civil rights organization. soldiers in the battle to eliminate racial oppression champions of school desegregation fair housing equal employment opportunities Open voter registration. and health and Economic Opportunity for All Peoples Mr. Mandela the NAACP legacies that are shared. (00:09:15) Lego legacies upon which we can build (00:09:21) Nelson Mandela is a man who has had to reach out. Beyond a prison cell over enormous golf's to achieve a common understanding even with his (00:09:34) captors (00:09:36) To (00:09:36) overcome his own fears and those of (00:09:38) others. and to virtually Bridge a Great Divide to reach our common Humanity. (00:09:49) the founders of the (00:09:50) NAACP reached out to meeting at a kitchen table in New York City in 1909. They determined that it was their responsibility to take on the nation's racial struggles. They constructed a human bridge between themselves and others to improve our world. These are legacies upon which Bridges can be built. Just think about bridges for a moment. (00:10:29) They have thousands have for thousands of years brought people together. They've (00:10:35) improved communication and trade among the peoples of the world. And they have bridged the barriers that separate people. The Roman viaducts to the Golden Gate Bridge to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They all provide a connection. They are a link they Unite. But why am I speaking to you about bridges? For one very important reason (00:11:06) all Bridge (00:11:07) builders. faced a choice They could live they could build a bridge. Or they could live with a barrier. They chose to span The Divide. We Face bridge-building choices also within our personal lives within our businesses and within our communities. As a corporation within this community. We also have a choice. at the st. Paul companies We believe it is our responsibility as corporate citizens to invest in communities to make them better places to live and to do business. We take that responsibility very seriously. In fact, like many other Minnesota businesses the st. Paul today has a significant (00:12:14) commitment to and (00:12:16) investment in South Africa. It may interest you to know that we in 1996 were one of the first I think the first financial institution to obtain an insurance (00:12:30) license in South Africa (00:12:33) under mr. Mandela's presidency. Today, I'm proud (00:12:44) to say that we have a large and thriving (00:12:47) organization operating in South Africa and I am very very proud of what we have accomplished there. (00:12:54) We chose (00:12:56) to build a bridge between our company. and the South African Community I know that most of you are familiar with Nelson Mandela's story in prison for more than two decades and Robben Island because he opposed racial oppression. Because he sought what we cherish Freedom he was subject to isolation and cruelty. Today, I believe that this man has come to symbolize for South Africa and for the entire world. the Triumph of the human spirit now Mr. Mandela is here with us. To raise awareness of what it is to be free. So 2 to N double ACP (00:13:54) has worked tirelessly for the past 90 years. (00:13:59) to ensure freedom equality and opportunity for all people the n-double-a-cp must be supported to continue the work in Building Bridges. To ensure that this nation stands truly for what brings us together. Bridges are not made by one person. They require the vision of some and the teamwork of all. Together we can build Bridges. Together (00:14:40) we can overcome the (00:14:41) barriers that stand between us. and together we can make the (00:14:47) world a better place for everyone. Thank you. (00:15:00) Thank you. Mr. Leather Dale. Now the president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP Ricky Campbell. (00:15:16) To my esteemed colleagues on the diet friends supporters greetings. Someone not so famous once said that life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. Personally, my box has been full of baptisms 21 years ago. I embarked upon a career as a Minneapolis professional firefighter. I received a baptism of fire many times over we're called firefighters because we battle fires making calculated adjustments in our tactics in order to make a strategic move forward many times. The fire is so hot that all you can do is lie flat on the floor and inch Your Way Forward And even though it is an inch at a time, there's dense smoke there's extreme and intense heat and there's also a flame. I have found that when we persevered we eventually reached our goals and the fire was extinguished. Two years ago. I found myself being baptized again. And even though there were no visible flames. That whereas heat I can tell you that I felt both of them nonetheless. As president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP. I found myself being baptized in the Flames of the struggle for civil rights. I realized very quickly that a baptism in this area is as hot in challenging and very much the same as firefighting. However, I stand here on this historic evening with my heart and my spirit feel because as I look at the struggles and the accomplishments of our honorable guest this evening. Mr. Nelson Mandela, I am reminded of this tremendous power that resides in the human spirit. This indomitable will that we all possess it is oftentimes brought forth due to the blazes that we often battle serving to remind us that if we keep hope alive and press forward we can and we will reach what we once thought were unreachable goals Nelson. Holy / La Mandela was born in a village near Tata in the trance key on July 18th 1918. A royal extraction Mandela learned much of the art of mediation and conflict resolution in his childhood. After his father died his Guardian was the acting Paramount chief of Timberline and this exposed the young Mandela to the Democratic Gathering of the tribesmen his schooling with a strong Wesleyan influence exposed him to Christian teaching in British literature and history at the University College of Fort Hare Mandela honed his talent at leaderships on the students representative council. His involvement in a student boycott led to his suspension from Fort Hare forcing him to relocate in Johannesburg where he soon began to study law at the University of witwatersrand. Attracted by the politics of the African National Congress and its potential to develop into a mass movement. He joined the organization in 1942 two years later. He became a founding member of the ANC youth league and resolve to fight for democracy in South Africa. Mandela soon impressed his peers by his discipline work and consistent effort and was elected Secretary of the youth league in 1947. As a result of his leadership role Mandela was subject to the full weight of the regimes repressive laws culminating in the treason trial of the 1950s. When the ANC launched the campaign for the Defiance of unjust laws in 1952. Mandela was elected National volunteer in Chief. The Defiance campaign was conceived as a mass Civil Disobedience campaign. They would snowball from a corpse selected volunteers to involve more and more Ordinary People. Coleman ad in Mass defiance fulfilling his responsibility as volunteering Chief Mandela traveled the country organizing resistance to discriminatory legislation. Charged and brought to trial for his role in the campaign the court found that Mandela and his co-accused consistently advise their followers to adopt a peaceful course of action and to avoid all violence. For his part in the Defiance campaign Mandela was convicted and given a suspended prison sentence shortly after the campaign ended. He was also prohibited from attending Gatherings and confined to Johannesburg for six months. During this period of restrictions Mandela wrote the attorneys admission examination and was admitted to the profession. He opened the country's first black law firm in Johannesburg in partnership with Oliver Tambo. In recognition of his outstanding contribution during the Defiance campaign Mandela had been elected to the presidency of the both the youth league and the transform region of the ANC at the end of 1952. He became a deputy president of the ANC itself. During the whole of the 50s Mandela was the victim of various forms of repression. He was banned arrested imprisoned after 1960 with the Banning of the ANC Mandela went underground from where he continued to challenge the government forced to live apart from his family moving from place to place to evade detection by the government. Mandela had to adopt a number of disguises sometimes dressed as a common laborer and at other times as a chauffeur his successful invasion of police earned him the title of the black Pimpernel In retaliation to the Armed Force the ANC often meant in his peaceful campaigns a decision was eventually reached in 1961 to formed an armed Wing Moon condo. We seized way. I got it right with Mandela as his commander-in-chief Mandela was smuggled out of the country and spent several months abroad in Africa where he gained support from other Liberation movements not long after his return to South Africa Mandela was arrested and charged with illegal exit from the country. In the incitement to strike Mandela was convicted and sentenced to five years in imprisonment while serving his sentence. He was subsequently charged in the rivonia trial along with the more serious crime of sabotage, which could have resulted in the death penalty at this historic. Trial Mandela ended his evidence with the following words. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal, which I hope to live for. and to achieve but if needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die Mandela and his co-accused were sentenced to life imprisonment and he started his prison years in the notorious Robben Island Prison a maximum security prison more than 25 27 years Mandela never compromised his political principles. And was always a source of strength for the other prisoners. Released on February 11th, 1990 Mandela plunged wholeheartedly into his life's work striving to obtain the goals. He and others had set almost four decades earlier. In 1991 at the First National Conference of the ANC held inside a South Africa after being banned for decades Nelson. Mandela was elected president for the of the ANC while his lifelong friend and colleague Oliver Tambo became the organized National chairperson. On May 10th 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State president of South Africa and served until June (00:26:09) 1999. (00:26:22) He currently resides in his birthplace of kunam a village in a trance key regions of South Africa. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my diba president Nelson (00:26:37) Mandela. (00:27:11) distinguish cause Franz on comrades a question has been put to me. on several occasions in South Africa in Britain where I was last week. and since my arrival in this country I would like to preempt any one of you. From asking me this question. The question was and is What do you think? of the American presidential (00:28:26) election (00:28:39) and my answer is a simple one. That I do not wish to make any statement. or observation Which might interpreted? Directly or indirectly as interference. in the domestic affairs I must also integrate. That whatever the position was. at the beginning of the anti-apartheid struggle of the Democratic Party and the Republicans gave us unqualified support And therefore it becomes difficult for us. (00:30:01) To make a (00:30:02) statement. Which might not be properly appreciated? By our friends in this country the respective. of their political affiliation but of course of us remember that the American presidential election Does not just concern the American people. It concerns the entire (00:30:37) world. (00:30:47) the United States is accepted as the leader of the worst And it will therefore be appreciated. If that is great concern. That there should be this uncertainty. And I hope therefore you now know my views on this matter. And you'll not ask me questions. It is a great honor for me. to be present at this very prestigious and inspiring event the n-double-a-cp had been a background of Hope and aspiration. to people of color and to all those that believe in Justice. and human equality for almost the entire last century. I come from an organization. the African National Congress that was established a mere three years. After the n-double-a-cp and like it. Spent the better part of the last surgery. Fighting for the right of the people to be recognized and treated equally. irrespective of race color or Creed we are proud and thankful. that in South Africa and non-racial democracy has now been established. Under the leadership of The Liberation movement. the people of South Africa eventually overcame the brutal system of racial rule known the world over as aparted. in our struggle We took inspiration. And learned two lessons from people and organizations across the world. Without his support and solidarity of freedom-loving (00:33:35) people (00:33:36) in the International Community. Our struggle would have been even harder. and eventual success longer of Our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. Were important sources of support and solidarity. Throughout those long years of struggle and sacrifice. They are suffering. Was so much kin to ours. And their dreams of Freedom so very much our own. The added double AC p-- served to remind us that there were others like ourselves fighting against at the Primitive practice of racial discrimination. It inspired us to know that we were not alone. It made us redouble our efforts in the recognition that the scourge of racism was not confined. our country or our continent it reminded us that were part of a larger moral struggle to rid the world of instincts and practices that harked back to the basic bassist in our Humanity. It would have been great. To say tonight that we have finally overcome. That's good. And that we now live in a world where race and color no longer count. Unfortunately, that is not the case. in South Africa We have succeeded marvelously in bringing our people from their different political racial and cultural backgrounds. together to search for a peaceful resolution to our long-standing political conflicts. the way that we managed to negotiate and non-racial democracy and to conduct our political process towards the realizing that Has often been described as a miracle? The world that generally expected unprecedented Bloodshed and racial Civil War. Today, we live in a country where the Constitution and shrines and known racialism dignity. and equality for all we have in place a number of measures and agencies to oversee the implementation of the ideas of the Constitution. We have legislated for the D racialization of our society in the workplace at school in the organs of State in access to services and a variety of other fields. We would be untruthful though everywhere to pretend that all traces of racism had disappeared from our society. One must accept that it would have been unrealistic to expect at three centuries of racism and racial division to disappear overnight without leaving a legacy. Even so however one continues to be shocked by evidence of the depth of racism that persists in spite of our new social and political circumstances. Just two weeks ago. We had that the harrowing sight of police brutality towards blacks shown on National Television. But South Africans have progressed along way in overcoming racism. We recognize that we have a long way still to go. The national will is there to work together towards that the elimination of racial? divisiveness antagonisms and cruelty We acknowledge that such processes are never easy if they are to be genuinely successful. Reconciliation is not cheap or fossil. We do trust though in the theme of your event tonight. And I could never give up hope and goat. if I had not had it towed out at throughout the long Decades of our struggle apartheid. Would have not been to serve defeated. We trust that The American Nation will continue to search for that reconciliation among these people. I was impressed by the genuine commitment towards a national reconciliation and that the concerns of minorities on the part of President Bill Clinton one hopes that that spirit will continue to Prevail throughout your nation in the decades (00:40:25) ahead. (00:40:36) Amerigo Is the most powerful nation in the world? America Leeds the worst And certain example. in this regard and that example is important. The attitude and approach towards Africa is not another crew element crucial manner in which the United States of America influences Global racial attitudes. when President Clinton paid a state Visit to My Country He made a fundamental statement. he said we are Americans. Have been asking the wrong question. What can we do? for Africa That was the wrong question aside. the right question was what can we do? with Africa That was a statement. of an American leader Who was the first in history? visit the continent of Africa he paid a visit. to several countries in West Africa Came to South Africa. And went at with other areas in central Africa. He has been one of my main supports in my negotiation in Burundi. And when we signed the 19 political parties signed the peace agreement. He was one of the forces that inspired the 19th different political parties, which at one time were not speaking to one another to sign that (00:43:24) agreement. (00:43:34) He realized. That as long as Africa remains much analyzed in world affairs. And continues to be an economic Backwater in the global scheme of things the Temptation for ordinary people in the developed world to perceives Africans and people of color negatively would be greater. one small An organization like the n-double-a-cp can play an important role in mobilizing and influencing such policy directions. in this globalized world the fate of any person or group of persons in any part of the world is sadder responsibility is the shared responsibility of all of us. and it impacts back on our own situation and conditions one may ask How does the political organization? witches and 90 year old history continue to be active and to give correct (00:45:15) leadership. (00:45:21) one of the fundamental principles for any organization that is likely to make a tremendous impact. on the thinking of its people is to recognize that in all communities all ethnic groups there are good men and women. Wanted to associate themselves. with wealthy projects all political parties in a country without exception have such good murdered women. and that Utica of a political organization (00:46:21) Is friend (00:46:21) Shawn. That have major national debate. On fundamental problems that constitute a challenge to the country. I debated. but even at the height of a national debate if you're going to make progress. You must respect. integrity of those you do not agree (00:46:56) with (00:47:10) the aim of a real leader is to be open to be frank honest with yourself. And that to be able to defend the truth. Even if you are all alone. but all of us only pass through this world, but once and an opportunity (00:47:50) missed (00:47:52) Will never come back again. And one of the objects of leadership. is to ensure that out of every debate. however, a criminal acrimonious it might be we must emerge. Stronger than you were before and closer to each other. If a little does not know that lesson. He will never (00:48:34) succeed. (00:48:46) Well some birds outside. Have been whispering. Thought I'm going to receive an award here. And I must thank you most humble. For that owner you have chosen. to bestow upon me I do not know. That I deserve it. But I gladly accept it if it is actually bestowed. On behalf of all South Africans who have helped to make our country one to which people the world over. I looked for inspiration. And I also believe. That one of the most revered icons. of the South African struggle is also a Jew. for an award this is our beloved leader as Bishop. does not want (00:50:05) totally Thank you. (00:50:45) It has the distinction. that during the darkest period in our struggle against apartheid he had the courage. to stand up all alone at with his weapons strong weapon the Bible and spoke out and condemned all forms of racial (00:51:22) discrimination. (00:51:32) if I'm totally mobilize weather help of other activities and mobilize the entire South African nation. whilst the African National Congress under the able leadership of Oliver Tambo mobilized the International Community and the anti-apartheid struggle in the United States in Britain and other areas if came a formidable Force which governments and those who wanted votes could not ignore May the n-double-a-cp. Go from strength to strength. And may we collectively as Humanity? progress to a world where race color gender and other social markers of our Rich diversity no longer serve to Mark a person station in life. I thank you. (00:52:55) Former South African president Nelson Mandela speaking at the Hilton Hotel last night at a fundraiser for the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP. The program was held in association with the Minnesota meeting. It's a Minnesota meeting are supported by Oppenheimer wolf and Donnelly LLP with offices in Minneapolis. St. Paul and at Oppenheimer.com providing legal services to businesses around the world. And that does it for our midday program today Gary eichten here. Thanks so much for joining us. By the way. If you missed part of Nelson Mandela's comments, we will be rebroadcast in his speech at nine o'clock tonight here in Minnesota Public Radio also will have some comments from an event this morning Minnesota Community leaders got together to pledge their financial support to help complete the Nelson Mandela gateway to Robben Island that is now a museum. But of course, it's the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years. So a speech last night will be on at nine plus some comments that he made this morning his first visit to Minnesota that does it for midday today Gary eichten again. Thanks for joining us, by the way a reminder that a full week's worth of middays always. Available on our website Minnesota Public Radio dot-org financial support for our programming comes in part from the new and renewing members of Minnesota Public Radio. On the next All Things Considered will have all the news from Florida (00:54:26) plus snowy owls are migrating hundreds of miles from the Canadian tundra in search (00:54:31) of food. It's all things considered weekdays at 3:00 on Minnesota Public Radio. You're listening to Minnesota Public Radio. We have a fair Sky. It's up to 16 degrees at Kenner wfm 91.1 Minneapolis. And st. Paul fair to partly cloudy through the afternoon with a high 20 to 25 partly cloudy skies are forecast for tonight with an overnight low five to ten. So pretty chilly again tonight tomorrow more of the same partly cloudy with a high in the mid 20s dry and relatively mild for Thanksgiving.