Dallas-area leaders form host committee to champion Mandela

By Taylor Mayad

The African American Museum, Dallas announced this week the formation of The Mandela 12: Guardians of the Journey, a host committee of 12 respected Dallas-area professionals who have committed their leadership, influence and time to ensure the success of Mandela: The Official Exhibition.

On view June 13-Nov. 1, the Mandela exhibition chronicles the extraordinary life and global legacy of Nelson Mandela — a freedom fighter, political prisoner and former president of South Africa — in the context of key people and places closely associated with his life and their impact on him. 

The exhibition is object rich, displaying many artifacts that have never been previously seen outside South Africa, thanks to the cooperation of the Mandela family and others close to him. The exhibition launches just as North Texas prepares to welcome millions of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Nelson Mandela was a very principled leader. His legacy is synonymous with the triumph of the human spirit, and he will forever be associated with overcoming adversity, forgiveness and a steadfast, iron-clad conviction of honor,” said Lisa Brown Ross, president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas.

“The Mandela 12 reflect the spirit of service and qualities of character that defined Nelson Mandela’s life,” Ross added. “Their commitment illuminates this global exhibition and ensures it reaches across our city and region, inviting people of all ages to reflect on the power of resilience, leadership, justice and courage.”

As Dallas prepares to host this internationally recognized exhibition, The Mandela 12 will serve as civic ambassadors, advancing awareness, cultivating partnerships and helping secure resources necessary to deliver a transformative experience for families, students and visitors across North Texas.

“The Mandela 12 represent leadership in action,” said Margie J. Reese, the museum’s chief programs officer. “Exhibitions of this scale require more than coordination — they require stewardship. These Guardians of the Journey understand the responsibility of presenting Mandela’s legacy with integrity while ensuring broad access for the community.”

Chaired by Karl Biggers, the committee brings together executives, artists, entrepreneurs, attorneys, educators and community leaders whose collective expertise strengthens the exhibition’s reach into corporate and philanthropic networks.

“Mandela’s story reminds us that lasting change is built through disciplined collaboration,” Biggers said. “We are committed to standing alongside the museum to ensure Dallas meets this moment with vision and impact.”

In addition to chairman Karl Biggers and vice chairman Dorian Goodwin, The Mandela 12 members include Jason Harkey, Antonio Kidd, Sienzhi Kouemo, Mark Malveaux, KC Nlemchi, Matthew Osborne, Jethro “Trey” Pugh, Byron Sanders, Ian Shaw and Rodney Thomas Jr.

“Serving as a Guardian of the Journey is both an honor and a call to action,” Goodwin said. “This exhibition challenges us to think beyond a single event and consider the long arc of Mandela’s leadership, resilience and moral courage. Our responsibility is to help ensure that every student, family and emerging leader in Dallas has access to that inspiration.”

Mandela: The Official Exhibition will feature immersive environments, historical artifacts, rare photography and multimedia installations tracing Mandela’s early activism, 27 years of imprisonment and enduring global influence. The exhibition will be accompanied by a citywide engagement initiative — called Mandela Across Dallas — extending programming into schools, nonprofit organizations and corporate spaces.

The exhibition launches as North Texas prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — an especially fitting moment given Nelson Mandela’s deep connection to soccer, which he embraced as a powerful force for unity and hope in post-apartheid South Africa.

Additional details regarding programming and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks. For partnership inquiries, contact Margie Reese at mreese@aamdallas.org. For information about the African American Museum, Dallas, visit aamdallas.org.

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