Human rights advocate Ndaba Mandela delivered a lecture at Kean University, encouraging students and attendees to embrace leadership. Addressing a full auditorium on the Union campus, Mandela emphasized involvement as the key to change. “The only way you achieve change is when you get involved,” he stated.
Mandela, co-founder and chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity, spoke during Kean’s President’s Distinguished Lecture Series. He shared insights from his life, including growing up with his grandfather Nelson Mandela, whom he met at age seven due to Nelson’s imprisonment. Reflecting on his grandfather’s release, he recalled being “shocked” by the crowds and realizing Nelson’s significance.
Kean President Lamont O. Repollet expressed honor in hosting Mandela: “Kean shares the core values Ndaba Mandela champions, and his presence here strengthens our commitment.”
Mandela participated in various events during Human Rights Week at Kean, including an interview on Urban Impact podcast and a panel discussion on sports’ social impact. In spring, he plans to lead a Travelearn trip to South Africa focused on human rights.
Jessica Barzilay from Kean noted Mandela’s impact: “It was everything we could ask for.” The lecture was moderated by David Jefferson Jr., acting director of Kean’s Center for Africana Studies.
Mandela urged students to seek leadership opportunities: “A leader is not somebody who is number one,” he said. “A leader is somebody who serves their community.”
Attendees praised the event. Gorety Archelus ’06 remarked it resonated with current global issues: “Together, we can get far.” Students Nichole Acheampong and Baaba Eshun felt empowered by his words. Acheampong commented on his embodiment of courage and strength.
Victoria Cerda ’96 expressed admiration for meeting someone close to Nelson Mandela: “It was like a dream meeting someone so close to a great leader.”
