Nelson Mandela 1990 U.S. Speech (UMTV)

Four months after his release from 27 years in prison, anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was honored at a service at Riverside Church in New York, NY.  In his speech, Mandela thanked religious communities for their continued support of South Africans and the ideals of freedom. This video includes highlights of Mandela's speech like this: "During the long years when we were in prison you did not forget us, neither did you abandon our struggling people. You enlisted the most cherished beliefs of your religious calling. You took up the mission of promoting justice and peace and helped the people fight against the evil of apartheid. We salute you."

Before the "Service of Praise, Thanksgiving and Commitment," more than 120 interfaith religious leaders, including 11 United Methodists, presented Mandela with a $200,000 check for humanitarian aid and the resettlement of South African refugees.