Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition Programs and Events

MPM with its partners and sponsors are excited to bring you special exhibit programming!


Community Check-Ins

nelson mandela exhibitNelson Mandela was the embodiment of two simple yet powerful principles:

Dialogue: Getting others to listen
Active listening: Getting others to speak

In the spirit of Mandela, MPM will be hosting regular Community Check-Ins during the run of Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition. A Community Check-In is a space where you can process and discuss the exhibit, learn more about yourself, and explore the differences in others through active listening and dialogue.

We’ve been living and working during the intersection of multiple pandemics: COVID-19, the fight for social justice, and an economic crisis. Amongst this all, we’ve been required to physically distance from our loved ones, co-workers, and community as a whole.

Facilitated by Ambrose WB, Mindfulness Coach at MISPIBO Fitness and SKY Schools, these Community Check-Ins have been designed to offer participants a safe place in the midst of a changing and often-challenging world, and a greater sense of a meaningful, connected community. Honest self-reflection and deep conversation have the power to change lives and build community. MPM Community Check-Ins provide you the opportunity to experience both.


Nelson Mandela International Day

nelson mandela comic book artworkCelebrate International Nelson Mandela Day at MPM with family-friendly activities AND all-day free admission to the Museum + Mandela*!

In-person, outdoor activities and events will include:

  • Compare and contrast the struggles for racial justice of South Africa and Milwaukee with our timelines
  • Visit with the Artist’s Working in Education’s (AWE) Rising Arts Council and see their Mandela exhibit-inspired art installations (preview pictured to the right!)
  • Pick up an art kit curated by AWE
  • Take the “My Mandela Pledge”
  • Learn the South African Boot Dance with a demonstration by Ko-Thi Dance Company at 3:00 p.m.

Commemorative Days
South African Youth Day, June 16

South Africa commemorates Youth Day every June 16 in remembrance of the June 16, 1976 student uprising when more than 3,000 students marched peacefully for an equitable education system. Learn more about this event, known as the Soweto Uprising, and its impact on the larger struggle against apartheid.  

Read More

Juneteenth, June 19

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger declared the enslaved people of Texas free. This important moment in history has grown into an annual celebration of emancipation and freedom. 

Learn More


silhouette of nelson mandela with fist in airMy Mandela Pledge

Don’t wait for Nelson Mandela International Day, start today!

Each year on Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18, people are encouraged to spend 67 minutes in service of others through volunteerism and community service. Sixty-seven minutes represents the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice. Throughout the run of Mandela: The Official Exhibition, we hope to inspire you to make Mandela Day every day. Honor Mandela by continuing his journey and take this challenge in service to others. 

My Mandela Pledge is generously supported by Brewers Community Foundation and U.S. Bank.

Learn More


stargazers of africaPLANETARIUM PROGRAM

From the dawn of time, African people have looked to the skies above for inspiration and guidance. Stargazers of Africa, brought to you by Generac, is a journey connecting the stars, moon, and planets to the people across this great continent—from long ago to the stargazers of today.

Details


Mindful Moment

Nelson Mandela practiced Mindfulness and Meditation throughout his life. Join Wellness Coach Ambrose WB for a short, guided relaxation session.


Additional Resources

Looking to do some more research on your own? 

Apartheid Museum
Nelson Mandela Museum
Robben Island
Nelson Mandela Foundation

Timelines

South Africa and Milwaukee have rich histories of militant, principled struggles for racial justice. Use these two timelines to compare and contrast the tactics, timing, and outcomes of these local and international efforts to create an equitable future.

South Africa
Milwaukee


Past Events
Systems of Racial Violence Discussion

Session 1 - Evil Twins: Histories of Apartheid and Jim Crow
This discussion considers the uniqueness and similarities of Jim Crow and Apartheid. The panel includes experts who have studied and experienced both systems.

Watch Now

Session 2 - The Long Struggle: Resistance Movements Against Apartheid and Jim Crow
This panel discussion explores resistance movements to Jim Crow and Apartheid. It also includes current activists challenging the lingering vestiges of racially oppressive systems.

Watch Now

 
Milwaukee's Fight for Social Justice

In this two-part series, we explore Milwaukee’s changing social and racial justice landscapes with the help of guest experts.

Session 1: Looking Back with Reggie Jackson, Co-Founder, Nurturing Diversity Partners
We examine past social movements in Milwaukee and how they’ve contributed to progress already made. 

Watch Now

Session 2: Looking Forward with Urban Underground
We’ll learn from a new generation of activism in Milwaukee, and what that means for the struggle going forward.

Watch Now


Freedom Day

The annual South African Freedom Day celebration commemorates South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections, which happened on April 27, 1994. Learn more about the meaning of this important day and Nelson Mandela’s reflections on the first anniversary of the election.

Download