Boycott Miami 30 years ago put Nelson Mandela’s principles into action | Opinion

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for more than a quarter of a century because he dared to lead the organized resistance against South Africa’s institutionalized and racially repressive apartheid system. Despite the suffering inflicted upon him by the racist white government, he harbored no bitterness toward whites. His deep sense of humanity and profound political maturity ultimately led to Mandela being the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

Upon his release from prison in 1990, Mandela toured the globe to thank the millions of people who had supported the freedom struggle in South Africa. Miami was one of the places he visited during his first tour of the United States.

Mandela visited Miami 30 years ago, on June 28, 1990. It was a particularly proud day for the Black community and for those of us who supported both the Free South Africa Movement and the fight for racial equity and justice in South Florida and across the U.S.

As is customary for a dignitary of Mandela’s stature, the city of Miami authorized a proclamation to acknowledge Mandela’s visit and to welcome him with a ceremonial key to the city.

Bowing to political pressure from factions within the Cuban-exile community, Xavier Suarez, then Miami mayor, withdrew the proclamation because of Mandela’s relationship with Fidel Castro and refused to present Mandela with a key to the city. These actions were so hurtful that they were the primary catalyst that led to the Boycott Miami campaign. This month represents the 30th anniversary of the start of this successful action.

To the leaders of Boycott Miami, what was happening in Miami at the time was reflected in a powerful quote by literary giant and human-rights activist James Baldwin: “To look around … today is enough to make prophets and angels weep.”

Miami had experienced three major violent riots in the 1980s that resulted in the loss of lives, dozens of serious injuries, millions of dollars of property destroyed and significant damage to Miami’s image. After Mandela was snubbed, local Black lawyers organized a “quiet riot” — Boycott Miami — to provide a peaceful and effective way for the Black community to express its feelings of disappointment and disgust at being so disrespected. This well-organized and disciplined boycott lasted 1,000 days. Greater Miami lost more than $100 million in tourism revenues as scores of organizations, and individuals refused to do business with the local tourism industry.

The boycott demands were settled in 1993 resulting in the first Black-owned convention-quality hotel in America being built on Miami Beach, 25 full tuition scholarships awarded to Black students each year at FIU’s Hospitality Management Program, the establishment of the James K. Batten Fellows Program and a chapter of INROADS Miami, the creation of the Black Executive Forum, requiring Black participation in the Union Waiter, Waitress and Bartenders Roll, depositing millions of dollars in Miami’s Black-owned bank, creation of the Black Hospitality Initiative and Multicultural Development Department at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and creation of a program that matches major businesses in Greater Miami with Black vendors to purchase their goods and services.

Today we are at another bookmark moment in the history of our community and country. Protests have erupted across Miami and America crying out that “Black Lives Matter,” instigating the creative tension needed to get the full attention of those who have the power to make structural change. After 401 years, it is time to slay the ugly dragon of systemic racism — but violence is not the answer. I urge everyone to reflect on the peaceful and inclusive Boycott Miami Campaign as one — but certainly not the only — effective non-violent tactic to create change. Those in power do not make significant change because they see the light, they only act because they feel the heat. When you stop the pressure, you stop the progress. Therefore, we must keep the pressure on.

I also urge all of us to strive to emulate the dignity, courage and wisdom of the iconic Nelson Mandela. He was an extraordinary man who believed in the humanity of all people, without regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or physical ability. This is how we build the Miami of tomorrow.

H.T. Smith, a trial lawyer, was co-spokesperson for the Boycott Miami Campaign.