Kay Hoffman: Seeing Mandela

In 1990, when Nelson Mandela first visited the United States, I had the pleasure of seeing him and hearing him speak at Tiger Stadium in Detroit.

I bought tickets for my children, Eric and Abby, and the three of us along with thousands of others sat enthralled as we heard him talk about gratitude and of his affinity for Detroiters. There on the podium with him were Detroit icons, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Rosa Parks.

My children and I have talked about this life enhancing experience many times in the ensuing years.

I also visited South Africa just at the end of his Presidency and was inspired and hopeful.

Though his promise isn’t fulfilled, he certainly kept his faith in his people.