Former President Barack Obama will speak in South Africa this summer to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela, the South African president and civil rights leader, The New York Times is reporting.
The Obama lecture will come in July when his foundation plans to convene 200 young people in Johannesburg for meetings and workshops. Obama had delivered a eulogy following Mandela's death in 2013.
"It gives him an opportunity to lift up a message of tolerance, inclusivity and democracy at a time when there are obviously challenges to Mandela's legacy around the world," said Benjamin Rhodes, a former speechwriter for Obama.
"Mandela endured far darker times than anything we're enduring today."
While not criticizing President Donald Trump directly, Rhodes said Obama would not back down from dealing with divisive issues raised by the Trump presidency, according to the newspaper.
The Hill noted Obama has remained out of the spotlight since leaving office. But he recently voiced support for the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where 17 people were shot and killed.
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