Nelson Mandela’s Prison Guard to Speak at UMass Lowell

12/03/2014

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

* Media Advisory *

Thursday, Dec. 4
4 p.m.

What: One of the men who guarded Nelson Mandela during the anti-apartheid leader’s incarceration in South Africa will talk about that experience and more during a free program for the UMass Lowell community and public. Former jailer Christo Brand wrote “Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend,” to capture his recollections of the 12 years the men spent together while Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. The book tells the story of their remarkable friendship that endured through Mandela’s political ascendancy to become South Africa’s president and lasted until his death last year. Brand will be introduced at the event by Marcellette Williams, senior vice president of academic affairs, student affairs and international relations for the University of Massachusetts system. After his talk, Brand will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase at UMass Lowell’s expanded bookstore, the River Hawk Shop. Members of the public interested in attending the event are asked to register in advance with Mary Robbins at Mary_Robbins@uml.edu. More than 100 members of the public and UMass Lowell faculty and students are expected to attend.

Where: University Crossing, Moloney Hall, Second Floor, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell. Contact UMass Lowell media relations for directions and parking information.