Beyonce pens powerful letter to “strategic warrior” Nelson Mandela ahead of Global Citizens Festival

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Beyonce is gearing up to perform at the Global Citizens Festival: Mandela 100 in South Africa, and she took time to pen a powerful open letter to the late Nelson Mandela on her website. 

In the touching tribute entitled “Dear Madiba,” she recounts first meeting Mandela in 2004.

“I first met you in 2004 at the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard,” she wrote.

“It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality.”

The superstar shared some sweet snapshots of time spent with the late leader.

“You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts can change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans,” she continued.

“As we celebrate the Global Citizens Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.”