Alexandria proclaimed 'Mandela Legacy Day' during visit by Nelson Mandela's grandson

Ndaba Mandela spoke at Community Praise Church for Black History Month celebration

The City of Alexandria proclaimed Feb. 1 “Mandela Legacy Day” in honor of a visit by Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Mandela spoke at Community Praise Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1400 Russell Rd., as part of the congregation’s Black History Month celebration.

Community Praise Church hosted an afternoon event featuring Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela. (Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists )

Through an intimate conversation with Claudia M. Allen, Mandela reminded attendees that the legacy of justice, unity, and freedom modeled by his grandfather comes with responsibility and action, according to the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

The event also featured the CPC Children’s Choir and a spoken-word presentation by MJ Sirls.

In commemorating 100 years of Black history observances — the tradition began in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week” — attendees were encouraged not only to remember the past but to actively shape a more just and unified future.

Mandela’s closing charge reminded the audience that each person carries leadership potential and a responsibility to serve their communities with courage and faith.

The Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists also presented Mandela with gifts of appreciation.