Christo Brand, former prison guard and friend of Nelson Mandela, spoke at the Carver Community Cultural Center about the late South African president’s legacy.
Author Christo Brand went from Nelson Mandela ’s prison guard to friend, and he’s using his story to encourage kindness. Mandela was a South African activist who helped end apartheid in 1994. That same year, Mandela was elected in a democratic election as the country’s first Black president.
Brand’s message at Carver Cultural Community Center on Monday night was people should respect and treat one another like human beings. ALSO READ: Azhalia Ramirez delivers bags of hope to homeless across San Antonio “That small thing you’ve done in life, you do not have to expect something back,” Brand said. “Like Mandela said, ‘You will get the benefits of it. The more you reach out to help people, the more you will be blessed with a good life.’ That was Mandela’s view and my view, too.” More than 100 people attended the event, “Long Bridge to Freedom,” hosted by the nonprofit Students of Service. The local chapter mentors teens in leadership and provides study-abroad opportunities that enable members to make a difference in their communities. Brand was 19 in 1978 when he began working as a guard at Robben Island, where Mandela and other activists were doing hard labor. Prison guards told Brand they were terrorists, but he learned to see them in a different light. Initially, Brand felt he must hate the men. He wasn’t allowed to talk with the prisoners. The guards threw food on the floors where the jailed men slept on thin mats. But Mandela, Brand said, still treated him and other guards with respect. In 2022, several SOS members and chaperones traveled to South Africa, underwritten by a Spurs Give grant. They learned the history of apartheid, a racist policy that enforced the separation of people of African descent and the white minority from 1944 to 1994. During their stay, the students visited Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of 27 years of his confinement for challenging South Africa’s white minority rule. Brand met with the students and shared stories about his years with Mandela, building a connection between San Antonio and South Africa. Lawrence Scott, associate professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M San Antonio, moderated this week’s panel discussion. Scott taught students a historical analysis of South Africa before their journey two years ago. He said the event was presented in an America of book bans and racial discord. “At a time like this, we have a man who can bring stories of hope, love, faith and unity,” Scott said. Seymour Battle III introduced Brand before he talked about Mandela’s legacy with SOS youth ambassadors Trinity Williams and Michael Frere, both 17. Trinity, who attends CAST Tech High School, said the trip to South Africa and Mandela’s lessons “illuminated” everything around her. “Anyone can be that leader,” Trinity said. “He recognized that his country deserved better. It inspired me to be that person.” Michael said the experience changed what he wants to do with his life. “It’s not just one person,” he said. “Not one Mandela, one MLK, but the strength of millions of people to create change.” ALSO READ: For nearly 160 years, Black freedmen and their descendants have gathered to worship at Sweet Home Amir Samandi, SOS executive director, said the SOS trip to Africa focused on civil and human rights. They read Trevor Noah’s book, “Born a Crime,” describing growing up in South Africa with a Black Xhosa mother and white Swiss father. At the time, interracial relationships were punishable with time in prison. They delved into the fight against apartheid. “This is all optional. They don’t have to do this; it isn’t school,” Samandi said. “These are kids who want to learn beyond the classroom. The travel and service bring it all together.” Brand is the author of the book, “Doing Life with Mandela — My Prisoner, My Friend.” He said for six years, the former South African president encouraged him to write a book about their years together. “He wanted me to share the legacy about our relationship,” Brand said. “He said, ‘You can go and travel and meet people. The more you can make friends, there can be peace all over the world.’” Since 2014, Brand has traveled around the world to share his story. He said what stood out about the San Antonio students was their drive to make a change and learn from his country’s experience. “If one person can walk back the way things are, it can change our world,” Brand said. ALSO READ: South Side dancer has shared her passion with youths for 45 years Brand and Mandela shared common bonds. Both grew up in rural areas. They each lost an elder son in a fatal car accident. Both landed on Robben Island. “We all have different cultures,” Brand said. “We’re all born with love. Love is stronger than hate.”
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