Semhar Araia, the founder and executive director of the Diaspora African Women’s Network, reflects on some of the lessons she learned from Nelson Mandela over the years.

“Your freedom and mine cannot be separated. I will return.” -Nelson Mandela

Every now and then, the world is given the chance to bear witness to life’s ultimate truths through the journey of a single person. From time to time, that person’s actions, his words and deeds, and his quest for a greater existence leave a lasting legacy with his community and his fellow countrymen. In the rarest of times, that person’s quest for peace, justice and equality resonates so deeply, it’s carried in the hearts and minds of every single man, woman and child on this earth.

This is what Nelson Mandela means to me.

For many Africans in the diaspora, Madiba’s life is an infinite source of lessons and teaching moments. His place in history affirms our place in the world as Black African global citizens, leaders and peacemakers. He is the definitive African example of leadership, good governance and diplomacy.

Read Full Article Here>>http://one.org/blog/2012/07/18/mandela-moments-my-observations-on-african-leadership-peace-and-development/