Passing of a Strong Black Women.
After demonstrating years of strength Winnie Mandela passes away at the age of 81.
Within the foundation of every strong black man is a strong black woman. From his mother, to his grandmother, and potentially the woman he marries. In the case of Nelson Mandela, his wife Winnie Mandela played a pivotal role in who he was and what he stood for. On April 2, 2018 Winnie Mandela passed after a year of battling illness, living to the age of 81.
In Winnie Mandela’s young life she faced many injustices as a result of apartheid. When faced with these injustices she knew that things needed to change even as a young child. Diamonds in the rough tend to shine the brightest and in reading about the life experiences of Winnie Mandela it was clear to see the motive behind her action.
“In 1945, when she was only nine years old, Winnie had her first conscious experience of what the strictures and injustices of racism and apartheid meant in South Africa. News had just arrived in Bizana that the Second World War had ended, and celebrations had been scheduled. Upon arriving at the town hall, it was discovered that these celebrations were “for whites only” and the children were forced to remain outside with their father while the white population enjoyed the merriment within.” South African History Online.
Experiencing this at such a young age she became sensitive to the inequality that was in the world around her. Women who’ve faced injustices at ayoung age have become strong political or public figures. Not insinuating that the struggles they faced enhanced their chance to shine, but it allowed them to use their intelligence and drive they already had into other endeavors.
To name some of black women who attest to this statement are Rosa Parks, Diane Nash, and Marry Macleod Bethune. Each one of these women face many hardships throughout their life but put their focus toward fighting against racial injustice and making opportunity. Their strength never wavered no matter how many struggles they went through. When reading deeper into South African History more information revealed itself on just how strong she was and how bright she shined.
“The Mandela residence was also a site for frequent police raids, during which policemen would awaken the household with loud banging on the doors in the early morning and set to turning the whole house upside down. Added to the turbulence of their early married life, in July, Winnie found out she was pregnant with her first child.” South African History.
A rough life to endure along with the constant arrest of her husband. Yet she did not allow life struggles to keep her from fighting for justice. In doing research on Winnie Mandela there was proof of the strength she demonstrated through all struggles.
“In October 1958, Winnie took part in a mass action which mobilized women to protest against the Apartheid government’s infamous pass laws. Winnie travelled with Albertina from Phefeni station in Orlando to the city centre where the protest was taking place. During the protest, the police arrested 1000 women. A decision was taken by the arrested women not to apply for immediate bail, but to rather spend two weeks in prison as a sign of further protsest. During these weeks, the pregnant Winnie saw first hand the squalid conditions of South African prisons, and her commitment to the struggle only intensified.” stated by South African History.
The strength of black women can be demonstrated and seen all across the globe. As it is demonstrated in many forms and has the effect of being felt by many in all its fearlessness. Winnie campaigned for the release of her husband as well as the rights for black south africans facing criminal charges, arrest, and banishment. Though the marriage between Nelson and Winnie Mandela came to an end she was a controversial force. May one of the worlds renowned strong black woman rest in peace.
Corey Rious Jr. is a student at Morehouse College.
