SJR108: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4612/1

CMH:klm

2015 - 2016 LEGISLATURE

2015 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 108

February 17, 2016 - Introduced by Senators L. Taylor, Bewley, C. Larson, Miller, Risser and Vinehout, cosponsored by Representatives Young, Barnes, Berceau, Goyke, Jorgensen, Kahl, Kessler, Mason, Milroy, Ohnstad, Pope, Sinicki, Spreitzer, Subeck and Zepnick. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR108,1,1 Relating to: proclaiming July 18, 2016, as Nelson Mandela Day in Wisconsin.

SJR108,1,3 Whereas, Nelson Mandela, celebrated political leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95; and

SJR108,1,6 Whereas, Nelson Mandela was an adamant fighter for political, social, and economic equality; Mandela envisioned a democratic and free society and was willing to relentlessly fight for that ideal, even if it cost him the ultimate price, his life; and

SJR108,1,15 Whereas, on October 9, 1963, Nelson Mandela, along with ten others, were on trial for 221 acts of sabotage initiated to overthrow the apartheid system, which came to be known as the Rivonia Trial; Mandela faced the death penalty, and even under the threat of the death penalty, Nelson Mandela stood by his stance against apartheid, and said he would die for his cause: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die;" and

SJR108,2,5 Whereas, Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1944 when he helped to form the ANC Youth League, a youth organization committed to fighting segregation within South Africa during the time of apartheid, and, despite frequent breaks and political distractions throughout his schooling, Mandela eventually earned his degree to practice law; and

SJR108,2,10 Whereas, Nelson Mandela inspired hope and commitment to an ideal of ending white minority rule in South Africa; with each night spent in a prison cell, with each oppressive action he endured, and with each opportunity he was denied, he persevered, and his dedication culminated in him securing the first democratic presidential election in the history of South Africa; and

SJR108,2,13 Whereas, Mandela's philanthropic work with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation positively impacted countless lives; and

SJR108,2,16 Whereas, throughout Mandela's life, he never resorted to "answering racism with racism;" rather, he fought for the future of a country in which all peoples could live in equality; and

SJR108,2,19 Whereas, Nelson Mandela led a life not plagued by the fear of what could happen if he failed in his fight for equality, but rather consumed by the hope that one day his vision would become a reality in the country he called home; and

SJR108,2,22 Whereas, thanks to his unparalleled persistence, leadership, and commitment to his country's future, apartheid came to an end in South Africa; now, therefore, be it

SJR108,3,2 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature honor the life and public service of Nelson R. Mandela, pass on their condolences to the people of South Africa and his friends and family, mourn his passing, and thank him for leaving his impact on the world and bettering the lives of countless others; and, be it further

SJR108,3,4 Resolved, That the legislature proclaims July 18, 2016, as Nelson Mandela Day in Wisconsin.

SJR108,3,5 (End)