Ndaba Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s Grandson, Visits 2 Mt. Vernon Schools

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Students had a firsthand chance to see how the sacrifices that changed history continue to build on a legacy of activism for generations.

Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, followed in his grandfather's footsteps of activism and inspiration by visiting two district schools and discussing how students can foster change in the world.

He first visited Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School (NMHZ) to discuss his grandfather’s legacy and his own activism, and then participated in a roundtable discussion with students at Mount Vernon High School.

Ndaba Mandela has built quite a legacy of his own as an author, entrepreneur, consultant and mentor. He is co-founder and chair of both the Mandela Institute for Humanity and the Africa Rising Foundation.

After being recently nominated for an International Emmy for his series "The Mandela Project," he took the opportunity of being in New York to speak to students. Nakia Hiland, who worked on "The Mandela Project" and is also the new director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau program Safe Place for Our Girls, invited Mandela to speak to Mount Vernon students and explain the impact that young people can have in the world.

"We understand that so many individuals today still struggle, but we have people like the descendants of Nelson Mandela to carry his legacy, to speak with youth, to talk about youth empowerment, and to talk about education and what that means in terms of where you can end up one day," Acting Superintendent K. Veronica Smith said.

After speaking with middle school students, Mandela went to several classes in NMHZ to answer questions from students that they had prepared with their teachers. He encouraged them to listen to their parents and teachers as they continue growing up.

"It’s all about giving back to your community, about being in service to others," Mandela said. "Being a leader is not about being the best. Being a leader is not about being number one. Being a leader is about serving and giving service to those who can’t serve themselves and standing up and being a voice for people who can’t be a voice for themselves."

At Mount Vernon High School, Mandela answered questions from a panel of students as well as from those in the audience, and echoed his message of public service. He encouraged students to strive for positive change, treat everyone equally and challenge themselves to help others.