Times Of Swaziland: A perfect celebration of the life & legacy of a great man

A perfect celebration of the life & legacy of a great man
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 NTOMBI MHLONGO on 20/01/2013 00:00:00


The country’s personalities, businesspeople, politicians and representatives
of non-governmen-
tal organisations gathered at the US Ambassador Makila James’s residence on
Friday for the commemoration of the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The event was nothing but a special two hours of celebrating the life and legacy
of the late activist along with many thousands of Americans who joined him in
the struggle for civil rights and changed the course of American history.
The ambassador welcomed her guests with a brief yet important speech where she
described the activist’s impact in society as the true reason why he deserves
so much honour.
"Dr King was at the forefront of marches to end the ugly, brutal and
dehumanising system of racial segregation in the United States. He was often met
with violence and was jailed on numerous occasions, but could not be deterred
from pursuing the dream of a society where all people, regardless of the colour
of their skin, were equal," the Ambassador said.
Making the event even more fun was the performances by local musicians and poets
who included KrTC, Bholoja and the TOTI Tenors.
But it was Qibho Intalektual who had everyone screaming and talking when he
rendered a politically motivated poem which talked about the Tinkundla System
and other issues about the country.
Guests also got the privilege of seeing some of the original works of art by
local artists which
were on display at the ambassador’s lounge. The artists who showcased their
art pieces included Vumelani Sibeko, Mbongeni Fakudze, Celimphilo Dlamini, Fela
Dlamini, Majaha Mabuza and Aleta Armstrong to name a few.
"I am delighted that several of Swaziland’s best artists have taken up our
invitation today to sing songs, recite poems and create artwork around the
principles that inspired Dr King’s work-freedom, equality, persistence,
justice and courage. These are universal principles that underlie human rights
and justice and we are certain that these principles will come alive in a
profound way through the creativity of Swaziland’s artists," the ambassador
said.