Underscoring Ubuntu: Nelson Mandela exhibit at the children’s museum

“What better day than his birthday?” guests at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis asked on July 18 during the Mandela Celebration of one of the museum’s newest and most tear-jerking exhibits. Vice President of Experience Development and Family Learning at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Monica Ramsey was thrilled about the night. “This evening is exactly that: a celebration,” Ramsey told the Indianapolis Recorder. “We are really excited to have young entrepreneurs from all over the continent of Africa to celebrate and share their experiences with us.” Ramsey is referring to the participation of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellows from Purdue University. The fifth cohort takes part in a six-week program from June 19 to July 28. The program includes intensive executive-style leadership training, networking, community service and skills building. The focus is on engineering and agriculture-related innovations and businesses. One of this year’s fellows is Luvo Gugwana of South Africa. “I want people to see what Africa is from Africans,” Gugwana said. “This exhibit is a chance to get that straight from the horse’s mouth.” Gugwana is also a member of the Xhosa clan, the same clan that Mandela belonged to. Information from Gugwana, a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow,...