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Miami Leaders To Hold Free Event To Commemorate Life of Nelson Mandela

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Nelson Mandela, a treasured-by-many world leader, passed away at 95-years-old exactly one week ago Thursday. While a memorial, and celebration of his life continues in South Africa, Miami leaders will gather to commemorate the once-president of South Africa in a free event open to the public.

The Mandela Miami Memorial Service and Celebration will be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in the Knight Concert Hall Thursday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is hosted by a coalition of local civic leaders, including Dr. Nelson Adams, Marlon Hill, Tony Argiz, Tere Blanca, Jaret Davis, Wendy Grant, J. Ricky Arriola, Saif Ishoof, Dave Lawrence, Mike Tomas, Markenzy Lapointe, H.T. Smith, and the Knight Foundation.

READ: Mandela's Impact On South Florida 

The gathering will provide a forum for members of the community to pay tribute to Mandela's life.

"Global leaders like Nelson Mandela come once in many generations; his perseverance, leadership and wisdom will echo through pages of history. We share with South Africa the loss of this great man," stated Dr. Nelson Adams. "It is with the utmost respect that we, along with the global community, reflect on his tireless determination to improve humanity and say farewell to this great mentor."

As Mandela's message was one of unity, local influencers from all sectors of the community's multi-ethnic and religious community are welcomed and encouraged to join.

The Arsht Center is located at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard. Complimentary parking for those attending will be available in Miami Parking Authority Lot C of the Center, which is on the south-side of the Arscht Center. To join-in on the celebration of Mandela's life and legacy on social network, use #MandelaMiami.

 

The Body Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela Lies In State
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 12: Thousands of people wait in line to view former South African president Nelson Mandela as he lies in state on the second of three days at Union Buildings on December 12, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa. Over 60 heads of state have travelled to South Africa to attend a week of events commemorating the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mr Mandela passed away on the evening of December 5, 2013 at his home in Houghton at the age of 95. Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in jail for his activism against apartheid in a racially-divided South Africa. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
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