Farewell, Legend : Nelson Mandela

In the midst of the string of recent celebrity deaths, I recognize that we are each affected differently by each one. The world bands together to show their affection for late individuals based on the characters they played on television, the music they wrote, or impacts they had in any other capacity to shaping whatever fraction of the world around them they did.

Today, a legendary man passed away. He wasn't a movie star or famous musician, but rather a globally-recognized leader, president, social mediator and human rights icon.

nelson mandela | 1918 - 2013

After reading many of the tributes already released in honor of Nelson Mandela, I decided to share those instead of forge my own; I'll be the first to admit that I have not actively followed Mandela's activity over the past few years, therefore I feel it would be something of a dishonest act for me to expand on the life of such an extroardinary man when I may not have the appropriate words.

Below are some of the tributes written by individuals and organizations - very educating, and moving!
Kerry Kennedy | President, Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights

Dan Rather | Host, 'Dan Rather Reports'

Muhammad Ali | Boxing Legend

Kumi Naidoo | Executive Director, Greenpeace International

George H. W. Bush | Former President, United States of America

The world certainly did lose one of its greatest influencers today. I mean absolutely no discredit or disrespect to the tragedy behind Paul Walker's recent death [along with Roger Rodas]. I'm making a personal tribute entry now to Nelson Mandela [& really, I'm nobody professionally-notable!] as my commitment of prayer for South Africa & the multitude of people who may consequently be facing tumultuous changes in his absence. I pray for the continuance of his influence in those regions, that the peace & humble but solid stands he took will be remembered and upheld.

Thank you, Nelson.

xo | cmd