GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

When thinking of whom our modern day heroes might be, one image instantly comes to mind for the Gorilla: Nelson Mandela. He is a hero amongst heroes, and he spent 27 years in an African prison to earn that title- although that was certainly not his plight. His plight was to end apartheid in his native South Africa, and when he stood up for the cause, he was thrown mercilessly in jail for it. “I was not born with the hunger to be free. I was born free” Mandela said in his autobiography. And he never swayed from that belief or backed down to anyone at anytime.  Eventually the reign of white supremacy in South Africa ended and Mandela was finally released from prison and the world watched the jubilant celebration of millions of South Africans, who had been liberated at last. Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday today and many dignitaries from around the world were there to join in the celebration of the man, the hero, and the icon. But the legend isn’t only known for his anti-apartheid campaign, which continued when he was released from prison in 199,0 when he led negotiations that ended decades of racist white rule. He is also a staunch advocate for AIDS awareness, literacy, and fights against poverty. In fact, even at his 90th birthday party, he was calling on the nation’s wealthy citizens to share with those who are less fortunate and who are losing their battle against poverty. “There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty,” Mandela said.  

Many people ask the Gorilla who his hero is, and although there are many athletes the Gorilla looks up to and admires, he can’t help but think of the man who truly personified strength of character and true integrity. A man who was not going to let his own personal fears reign supreme over the truth of what he knew was the right thing for himself, his people, and his country. He said in his 1994 inaugural speech (a quote from Marianne Williamson) “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” And in his case that certainly held true. That is truly what a hero represents, and the world should be grateful for having had Nelson Mandela in it for all of these 90 years. Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela!