Newswise — Villanova University Africana Studies professors are available to speak with media about the passing of Nelson Mandela, his life, his work, his impact on South Africa and the world, and his legacy.

Two faculty members offer the below initial thoughts, but are available for phone interviews to discuss further:

Professor Maghan Keita, PhD, Professor of History, says, "Nelson Mandela may very well have been the most important statesman of my lifetime."

Associate Professor Chiji Akoma, PhD, says "Much has been made of the sagacious heart of Nelson Mandela to seek healing for his nation after decades of discrimination and violence by Europeans against black South Africans through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Championing the TRC inarguably endeared him to the whole world, turning him to a de facto living saint. But I would like to remember him for the tenacity of his passion for justice, the kind of passion that would compel him to rather be in prison for 27 years than settle for abridged freedom, where he and his people were denied full rights and opportunities of citizenship that were and are God-given.