Florida Political Leaders Respond to Nelson Mandela's Death

Floridas political leaders are weighing in after news broke on Thursday of the death of Nelson Mandela.

The world has lost one of historys most important figures, though Nelson Mandelas example will live on for generations to come, said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Men and women striving for justice and fairness around the world have drawn inspiration from Nelson Mandela, and he showed South Africans and the entire world what the power of forgiveness truly means and can accomplish. My wife Jeanette and I send our condolences to the Mandela family and to the people of South Africa.

Florida Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, also offered her thoughts on Mandelas passing.

As with so many across the world, it is with incredible sadness that I just heard the news that Nelson Mandela has succumbed to his illness. But while we may have lost one of the greatest fighters for freedom and equality, his work and his accomplishments will live on for generations to come, Joyner said. As an early participant in the struggle for civil rights, Mr. Mandela and his epic struggle for freedom for the people of South Africa was an inspiration to me; his cause a continuous reminder to never give up in the fight for equal rights here at home. I was one of the demonstrators in front of the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., arrested for demanding his freedom and the end to apartheid in that country. And when those demonstrations helped lead to his release from decades of imprisonment and the dismantling of segregation, I celebrated along with millions of others reveling in South Africas first taste of real freedom.

With his death, there will be many tears, stirring words and parting gestures, Joyner added. But I believe the true tribute to his greatness and courage will be found in the determined vigilance of a free people to protect the values he fought for, and safeguard the equality he won.