It Is In Your Hands

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“It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build”. Nelson Mandela. Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. It is the vision of the Nelson Mandela Foundation for the world to unite and act decisively against the consequences of climate change and food insecurity for Nelson Mandela Day 2023. A warming climate can contribute to the intensity of heat waves by increasing the chances of very hot days and nights. We are currently in the midst of a global heat wave; and all of us have been impacted. High temperatures can be damaging to agriculture. Heat waves also increase the chances of livestock experiencing heat stress, especially when night time temperatures remain high and animals are unable to cool off. Heat-stressed cattle can experience declines in milk production, slower growth, and reduced conception rates. Annually, 702 heat-related deaths occur in the United States of America, this according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is much work to be done and Mandela Day provides a grand opportunity for all of us to join in this global effort. In November 2009 in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day. The Day recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice. The UN resolution acknowledges Mandela's contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. On this Mandela Day let us commemorate this significant moment. Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually as a tribute to the legacy of this statesman and advocate of peace who changed the 20th century and who helped shape the 21st. Let us all seize this moment and renew our commitments to aspire to the ideals and values that inspired Nelson Mandela. Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, embodies the spirit of resisting oppression, of justice over inequality, of dignity over humiliation, of forgiveness over hatred. Mandela is worthy of this international recognition for his work in unifying South Africa especially after decades of apartheid governance. On this day we salute this giant of a man. In the words of Nelson Mandela, everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” Happy #MandelaDay. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #ItIsInYourHands

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