Idris Elba & Naomie Harris Embody History in Mandela: Long To Freedom

As an undergrad at Howard University, I remember well attending many marches and rallies against ‘apartheid” as the movement seemed very familiar to what African-Americans endured for equal rights and the right to vote like “everyone else,” for decades in America.

This period of time is etched in my memory as one of the defining moments of my college experience at “The Mecca” (which is what all HU graduates affectionately call Howard University).  I also remember being in class with the daughters of Desmond Tutu and Jesse Jackson, not realizing that I was sharing an education and collegiate experience with history.

So, it suffices to say, those moments were immediately brought back to life watching Mandela: The Long Walk Home To Freedom.  This is what everyone knows about Nelson Mandela:

1.  He was imprisoned for more than 40 years during apartheid
2.  He became the first  black man to be elected as the President of South Africa

What we didn’t know is explored in this film based on Mandela’s autobiography of the same name.  Idris Elba and Naomie Harris are chewing up the scenery and will surely be rewarded for their challenging, yet convincing portrayals of Nelson and Winnie Mandela.  Their love story is inspiring, yet heartbreaking.  We learn about the ANC (African National Congress) and how important their contribution was and is to the apartheid movement being abolished.  We learn there are South Africans citizens born post-apartheid who have no idea what was sacrificed to enjoy the freedom they now experience.

2013 has turned out to be a stellar year  for black actors and black history.  Do yourself a favor and contribute to keeping this legacy alive and not forgotten by going to see Mandela: The Long Walk Home To Freedom.