Jermaine Jackson sends Mandela Day message of support to Liverpool charity

Jermaine Jackson has sent a message of support to Liverpool charity, Mandela8, ahead of the international day of celebration for the man who inspired it.

In a video to Mandela8 the American singer-songwriter, a former member of the Jackson 5, says: “I’m reminded of something Nelson Mandela once said, that what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it’s what difference we have made to the lives of others.”

Nelson Mandela Day on Friday, July 18, is held annually to remember the iconic leader and the values that inspired him to campaign for change, and this year Mandela8 has chosen a theme of Kindness, Community, and Change.

“It’s a powerful message because kindness isn’t just a gesture,” adds Jermaine. “It’s a spark, it brings people together, it builds bridges and reminds us that even the smallest act of love can lead to lasting change.”

Like Mandela8 he is calling on people in the city to commit to an Act of Kindness: “Call someone who’s alone; help a neighbour; volunteer; listen, and share – because when we choose kindness, we create stronger communities, and we create a better world.”

Sonia Bassey, chair of Mandela8, which aims to educate young people to ensure social justice and human rights, and change mindsets to bring people together, says: “Having grown up with the music of the Jackson 5, it’s a very surreal moment to have the support of Jermaine Jackson for Mandela8.

“I could never have imagined as a child that one day he would be supporting us and what we do. To have the support of such an icon is a blessing and we are truly grateful.”

And he is right, she adds: “The idea of Mandela Day is that everyone has the ability to make an impact and do something in their own way to change the world and the world of those around them.

“And it is the essence of what we are doing, to try to encourage people to get to know each other better, breaking down barriers of hate. We are all human beings, so should the colour of your skin or where you come from change how people treat you?

“Liverpool is a kind and welcoming city, and Mandela Day encourages us all to show just how kind and welcoming we are.”

Mandela8 has partnered with Liverpool BID Company to encourage Acts of Kindness. 

Acts of Kindness (formerly My 67 Minutes) is a programme embraced by schools, organisations and individuals on Mandela Day where people give 67 minutes of their time to do an act of kindness for others, to represent the 67 years Mandela dedicated to fighting for social justice and human rights.

There is a series of events people can get involved in in Liverpool, including:

Mandela Day Yoga on the Tempest on Tithebarn rooftop

Litter pick at 12 noon from St Pauls Square

A planting session – BID is looking for volunteers to support with planting some unloved areas in the commercial district

Sonia continues: “There are going to be lots of events and activities in the city centre. 

“We are doing a Mandela Walk and trying to get 67 people to join founding members and supporters in celebrating Mandela Day, with a guided walk along Princes Avenue and Boulevard, to Princes Park and the Mandela Memorial on the park lake’s island.

“They include doing a sponsored walk or run and donating the funds to a good cause; helping someone vulnerable to go out to visit the park, or volunteering your skills at a local community, voluntary or faith based group, asylum and refugee support centre or homeless shelter.

“By working together in our communities, we can impact change,” says Sonia.

“It’s all designed to get people to learn more about each other, to be nice to each other, and put our differences aside.”

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, says: “Everyone in a community can help to transform the lives of those around them by committing an Act of Kindness. For us at Liverpool BID, it stays true to our ethos to help our businesses improve the environment around them for everyone and focus on their wellbeing. This is always an inspiring day, and we look forward to its return.”

Get involved on the Mandela8 website here.

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