President Obama and the his family visited the prison on Robben Island, South Africa on Sunday where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders were jailed as political prisoners.
This is President Obama second visit to the prison, the first time it was in 2006 when he was a Senator. This is his first visit with his family.
On behalf of our family we’re deeply humbled to stand where men of such courage faced down injustice and refused to yield. The world is grateful for the heroes of Robben Island, who remind us that no shackles or cells can match the strength of the human spirit.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
30 June 2013.
President Obama did spend some emotional time in prison cell No. 5, which was Nelson Mandela’s cell for 18 of the 27 years he served for his anti-apartheid activities.