Montreal marks Nelson Mandela Day

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has released a statement marking Nelson Mandela International Day, a day honouring the legacy of the former South African President.

Plante expressed the importance of celebrating Mandela’s fight against racism and discrimination.

“More than 30 years ago, Nelson Mandela arrived in Montreal. Fresh out of prison, he delivered an inspiring speech to 15,000 Montrealers. Today we celebrate his fight against apartheid and his fight for social justice.”

Il y a plus de 30 ans, Nelson Mandela arrivait à Montréal. Tout juste sorti de prison, il a livré un discours inspirant devant 15 000 Montréalais(-es).

Aujourd’hui, nous soulignons sa lutte contre l’apartheid et son combat pour la justice sociale.#JournéeNelsonMandela #polmtl pic.twitter.com/FAxu9FYog8

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) February 11, 2023

Valérie Plante had previously posted about Nelson Mandela on June 19, 2020, the 30-year-anniversary of his visit to Montreal, following his 27 years in prison. During Mandela’s visit, he had some amazing things to say about our city.

“Even while we were in prison, we came to know this city as a home of the struggle against apartheid, a friend of our people, an enemy of racist tyranny and a source of strength to us, because the position you took served as assurance to all our people that nobody could deny us freedom.”

30 ans déjà depuis le passage de Nelson Mandela à Montréal. Célébrons ce leader de la résistance sud-africaine qui s’est battu toute sa vie contre l'apartheid et les inégalités et pour la justice sociale et continuons de lutter contre le racisme et les discriminations. #polmtl pic.twitter.com/0Ww2thT8sH

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) June 19, 2020

---

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.