1991 – Nelson Mandela Addresses U.S. Congress

On May 17, 1991, Nelson Mandela addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress during his post-prison tour to gain international support for ending apartheid in South Africa. His speech was a watershed moment in international Black history, symbolizing growing global consensus against racial injustice. Mandela’s remarks emphasized peace, reconciliation, and the urgent need to dismantle apartheid. His presence in Washington, D.C., underscored the interconnectedness of Black liberation struggles across borders. Mandela’s visit strengthened global solidarity, particularly among African Americans who had long rallied against apartheid. His address reinforced the power of transatlantic activism and diplomacy in challenging systemic racism. May 17 serves as a reminder of Mandela’s influence not just in South Africa, but on the world stage, where his words helped galvanize legislative and financial pressure against the apartheid regime.