Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for South Africa

April 26, 2024

Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcZEewzM7vM

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you, thank you. Music is more than just what hits our ears. It's a way of inspiring us and allowing us to go through difficult times. One of the most significant journeys that I took was going to Robben Island in South Africa and seeing the 27 years of my hero Nelson Mandela spent in captivity standing up and fighting for what he believed was right. It's hard to believe that in 30 years of independence, watching the free spirit of South Africa that we're here now at Bowling Green raising the flag. 

And inspiration that does not stay in one geographical location. Nelson Mandela often talks about how Gandhi played a role in India that inspired him to use the same mechanism to fight for freedom in South Africa. Dr. King talks about his experience with Gandhi. For those of you from South African ancestry, you need to know how big the movement was here in America. I remember as a young man protesting and saying South Africa must be free, we must dismantle Apartheid, and how important it was, and how we had to significantly organize together and fight. 

Now today, we stand 30 years later, raising the South African flag right here in New York City. I like to say that New York is the Johannesburg of America. The South African music and spirit and culture is alive and well here, and I'm excited about this moment. I'm sure you knew that it took 110 mayors before we were able to really celebrate the contribution of the South African community here in the city. Your presence is clear, you bring so much, and I'll never forget standing in Cape Town and driving up the beautiful coast into Port Elizabeth and into Johannesburg and watching the people embrace and grow. 

South Africa is free. 30 years later, we will continue to celebrate and raise the flag. Let's say happy independence to the people of South Africa. Thank you.

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