AACTION Members Celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day Through Special Service Project

About a dozen members of DFWs employee resource group African-Americans Collaborating Towards Inclusion Outreach and Networking (AACTION), gathered at the Procurement warehouse Thursday to participate in a special service project in honor of Nelson Mandela International Day.

Nelson Mandela International Day was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly July 18, 2009, and falls on the human rights leader's birthday. Mandela was recognized for his 67 years of service as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

In honor of Mandela's 67 years in the service of humanity, AACTION members participated in 67 minutes of service assembling and stuffing 181 tote bags filled with toiletries to be directed to students of the Mount Mehru school in Arusha, Tanzania, a college level seminary school. Remaining bags are to be distributed to elementary schools in Longido, Tanzania, Africa.

Applications Manager, Information Technology Services and President Elect of AACTION, Larry Wells, said the event was a part of a larger tribute throughout the state of Texas sponsored by State Representative Helen Giddings, District 109. Giddings is the honorary consul from South Africa to Texas and headed up a special celebration entitled "It's in Your Hands," which took place at the State Fair Hall of State in Dallas Thursday.

"This is great opportunity to participate in Nelson Mandela International Day," said Wells. "It's a wonderful opportunity for AACTION and DFW Airport to honor a global human rights leader and participate in community service."