Route J-1

Shanelle Mahaden, Marco Ocks, Nokuthula Van Zyl, Emily Dhadhla, and Zinhle Magwaza show off what they have collected through downtown Mackinac Island.

In this post, my colleague, Nadine Zaatar, shares her experience during a recent visit to Mackinac Island, Michigan on Mandela Day:

For 67 years, Nelson Mandela devoted his life to his people and humanity with the belief that each individual has the ability to make an impact. To commemorate his years of service and values, a celebration held each year on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, serves as a day to thank Mandela for his contributions to the world. In 2009, the United Nations declared that day Mandela Day – an International day of service associated with Mandela’s years of service by challenging communities worldwide to make a difference in at least 67 minutes!

Glenroy Ferguson, Byron Finck, Luvo Radebe, Sipho Gonyela, Orando Legister, Mark Watson and Jovan Johnson stop cleaning for a moment to pose. Glenroy, Lloyd, Mark and Jovan all join us from Jamaica, while Byron, Luvo and Sipho join us from South Africa.

For Suzan Tibane, a J-1 Intern from South Africa, being away from her home country would not stop her from celebrating Mandela Day. Suzan was determined to bring the celebration and “67 Minutes” to Mackinac Island, Michigan; however, the process was not easy due to her tight budget and desire to organize a free activity for anyone to join. Suzan was “so thrilled with the support of fellow workers” who worked with her at Mission Point, a well-known historical landmark that now serves as a hotel. Many of them were also J-1 students, so their volunteer participation also enhanced the cultural experience of their exchange by bringing together South Africans, Americans, Jamaicans, Bulgarians and Romanians.

The entire group made up of South Africans, Jamaicans, Americans, Bulgarians and Romanians – ready to finish clean up on Highway M-185.

The Mackinac Island community takes a lot of pride in keeping their areas clean, so the group agreed to clean up the local highway and dedicate the act to the island – their home away from home during their cultural exchange. They commemorated Mandela through song and dance while wearing t-shirts with the quote “Your Legacy Will Never Die” to mark his impact. The pride Suzan felt by sharing a piece of her culture with Mackinac Island was profound.

I loved watching the tourists stop someone in the group and ask them what was going on. They were so proud to explain who they were, where they were from, why they were here and what Nelson Mandela Day was about. I tried to capture it, but they were moving too quickly!

Next time July 18 rolls around, I encourage you to celebrate an international hero by volunteering at least 67 minutes to a community in need during this global call to action. Our joint efforts can make the world a better place!

Nokuthula Van Zyl, Shanelle Mahaden, Suzan Tiban and Marcalino Ocks, participants from South Africa, help keep Mackinac Island pristine by donating their time in support of Mandela Day!

Categories: Program Spotlight