MPM Issues Call to Action in Honor of Nelson Mandela

MILWAUKEE — Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated across the world each year on the anniversary of the freedom fighter’s July 18 birthday, mobilizes communities, organizations, governments, and individuals to continue Mandela’s legacy of dedicating his life to positive change. This year, as the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) and America’s Black Holocaust Museum partner to host the U.S. debut of Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, MPM and ABHM challenge the Wisconsin community to continue Mandela’s legacy by taking the a “My Mandela Pledge,” and spending 67 minutes volunteering in honor of the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice.

“Nelson Mandela’s life was defined by service,”  said Dr. Ellen Censky, President & CEO. “Taking the My Mandela Pledge and volunteering in service of others is an excellent way to honor his legacy and better our community.” To take the My Mandela Pledge, download the official pledge card. Participants are encouraged to take a photo or video of their volunteerism and tag MPM on social media with #MyMandela67 or email communications@mpm.edu for a chance to be featured in the exhibit.

In addition to taking the My Mandela Pledge, the Milwaukee Public Museum invites the community to celebrate Mandela Day on Sunday, July 18 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. In-person, outdoor activities and events will include a visit with the Artist’s Working in Education’s (AWE) Rising Arts Council to see their Mandela exhibit-inspired art installations, an art kit for visitors to take home curated by AWE, and the opportunity to learn the South African Boot Dance with a demonstration by Ko-Thi Dance Company at 3:00 p.m.

“Connecting our community to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela is imperative for improving our city,” said Dr. Robert (Bert) Davis, President & CEO of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. “Whether it’s committing to taking the My Mandela Pledge, learning through community check-in conversations, or participating in the Mandela Day activities at MPM, we must remember and celebrate the courageous work of Nelson Mandela and keep fighting for social justice in our community and beyond.”

To learn more about Mandela’s life of dedication to serving others and fighting for freedom, experience Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Visitors must reserve a time slot for their visit, and reservations can be made online at www.mpm.edu or by calling 414-278-2728. Due to limited visitor capacity each hour, tickets cannot be guaranteed and are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Other COVID-19 procedures, such as, but not limited to, social distancing, one-way paths through exhibits, and mandatory masks, will also apply.

Generous support for the My Mandela Pledge provided by the Brewers Community Foundation and U.S. Bank.

“Brewers Community Foundation encourages all Brewers fans to join us in taking the My Mandela Pledge,” said Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation.  “67 minutes of volunteering by each of us will not only honor the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice, but it will also provide a tangible impact on the path to bettering our community.”

“U.S. Bank has a legacy of community service provided by our employees throughout the country along with the investment of financial resources for life transforming work performed by our many nonprofit partners. We believe it is through acts of service that we truly transform the lives of others as well as our own. We have asked each of our employees in Milwaukee to provide 67 minutes of service this year in honor of Nelson Mandela and his legacy,” said Suzanne Zwaska, Community Affairs Manager for U.S. Bank Wisconsin.

Resources

• My Mandela Pledge Card

• My Mandela Pledge Video

About the Milwaukee Public Museum

The Milwaukee Public Museum is Wisconsin’s natural history museum, welcoming over half a million visitors annually. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum was chartered in 1882, opened to the public in 1884, and currently houses more than 4 million objects in its collections. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, as well as the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium. MPM is operated by Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc., a private, non-profit company, and its facilities and collections are held in trust and supported by Milwaukee County for the benefit of the public.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.