The world turns it's eyes and prayers to South Africa, where we have learned that civil rights leader Nelson Mandela has died. He was 95.
Mandela had a sordid past as a revolutionary, and his violent actions against the government lead to his inprisonment for 27 years.
However, an international campaign had him released from prison in 1990, and from then on, Mandela was a champion for peace, his country, children, and the poor. He helped bring about the end of Apartheid in his country, became an advocate for human rights, and later became dedicated to the war on HIV/AIDS.
Marriage equality came to South Africa in 2005 and he and his presidency from 1994-1999 most certainly helped clear the road for its passage.
The world lost a great man today.
I think it's time we all live a little bit better in celebration of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with South Africa today.
RIP
