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Experts speak on Mandela’s influence

On Monday, Feb. 24, the Drake University Legal Clinic will host an event in collaboration with the Des Moines chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to recognize the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela in celebration of Black History Month. The event, “The Nelson Mandela Story: A Remarkable Life and Legacy,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Drake Legal Clinic on the corner of 24th St. and University Ave.

The event will feature three speakers:

Mark Kende, James Madison Chair in Constitutional Law, director of the Constitutional Law Center, and professor of law at the Drake University Law School, will offer his biographical experience living in South Africa for a year, focusing on the development of a democratic non-racist government under President Mandela’s direction.

Representative Ako Abdul-Samad, founder and CEO of Creative Visions Human Development Institute, will give a personal testimony on the ways he has been inspired as a social activist and community organizer by Mandela.

Professor Kesho Scott, professor and chair of the sociology department at Grinnell College and diversity training expert, will discuss her philosophy on how Mandela has affected society’s ability to live in a less racist world.

A 30-minute reception with light appetizers will kick off the event at 6:30 p.m. Followed by the presentation and audience discussion beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Mark Kende at mark.kende@drake.edu or 515-271-2824.