Brixton remembers Mandela: ‘He inspired me to trust myself’
Seventeen years since Nelson Mandela’s visit to Brixton, Channel 4 News visits a primary school nearby, where students say his legacy is still being felt today.
When Nelson Mandela came to the UK in 1996, he stopped off for a visit to Brixton and gave a speech at the local leisure centre – the Brixton “Rec”. Reggae music pumped out from every available speaker and the streets were lined with people chanting his name.
The New York Times described a “rapturous welcome” when it covered the story: “Balconies, roofs and store fronts were covered with welcome signs. Thousands of people wearing Mandela T-shirts jammed the streets: mothers carrying babies, couples holding hands, school boys and girls climbing to the highest vantage points.”
Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid, and if he hadnt, me and Evien wouldn’t be friends like we are now. Kleon Minja, aged nine
This was the epicentre of Britain’s anti-apartheid campaign, home to a large black population, and it was where the notorious riots had taken place in 1981. It was no coincidence that Brixton was where Mandela chose to visit.
At the time, Brixton’s schools gave their students the day off so they had a chance to catch a glimpse of the man himself.
And 17 years later, the day after he passed away, Brixton schoolchildren paid tribute to “Madiba”.
Kings Avenue Primary School held a special remembrance assembly and students spent the morning paying tribute to Mandela and his legacy. Schools across the UK celebrate Black History month in October every year, and the next generation – at this school, at least – are well aware of the crucial role he played in the civil rights movement.
“Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid, and if he hadn’t, me and Evien wouldn’t be friends like we are now,” said Kleon Minja, aged nine, sitting next to his classmate.
“We’d be separated, so we wouldn’t know each other.”
Another year five student, Kevin Bangura, 10, told Channel 4 News: “He inspired me to think of others, and trust in myself.”
Pupils have written poems about his life and impact, as well as remembering the messages that Mandela wanted to pass on. One of Lee Ingham’s (above right) favourites strikes a chord in this Brixton classroom:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”