Apartheid
“This was 15 years of our lives, because we had been pushing this since late ’71, early ’72, into 1986. I remember that night, I got home, it was late. I had literally put on my running shoes, and I went out of the house, and I started to run. And I ran, and ran, and ran, until I couldn’t run anymore. And I just sat down on the curb, and I just cried. That was an incredible moment. And to be a person that grew up in the hood, modest family but caring people, to have found myself in a place where I could be part of history, to help change the world in some way, was an overwhelming feeling. And I don’t know if there are many things that could overshadow that in my life.” –The Honorable Ronald V. Dellums
June 19, 2012 U.S. Representative of California
Video
Anti-Apartheid Movement in the House
Representative Dellums recalls the early days of the anti-apartheid movement in the House.
Getting Arrested for the Cause
Representative Dellums remembers the protests by House Members outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Dellums Amendment: Part One
Representative Dellums provides background on the passage of his amendment calling for U.S. economic sanctions against South Africa.
The Dellums Amendment: Part Two
Representative Dellums reflects on the possible impact of the passage of his measure in 1986 for U.S. economic sanctions against South Africa.
The Dellums Amendment: Part Three
Representative Dellums describes the “highest point” in his political life.
Meeting Nelson Mandela
Representative Dellums shares his memories of his first meeting Nelson Mandela of South Africa.