Chicago Mourners Share Thoughts, Memories In Condolence Book For Nelson Mandela

CHICAGO (CBS) -- People who have been showing up to sign the condolence book for the late South African president Nelson Mandela at the Harold Washington Library have said they felt compelled to share their thoughts and memories, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.

Newsradio met Derrick Davis after he wrote in the condolence book in the lobby of the Harold Washington Library.

"It was a quote that I saw from him doing an interview, and he said, 'one of the greatest glories in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall,' and it meant so much to me because every time I slip or slide or fall, I can revert back to that proverb, so he was totally instrumental in helping develop character in me and a lot of people throughout this world."

The keeper of the condolence book Kerabo Letlanka, whose title is Consul Political in the South African Consulate General's Office, in Chicago, has been chatting with people who come to write in the book.

"There was also one interesting comment too that I picked up, coming from one academic who has been to South Africa that Mandela did not only give freedom to the black community but also to the white community."

The condolence book sits a table draped in black fabric, behind which there's a photograph of a smiling Nelson Mandela.

Another condolence book will be in the office of the South African Consulate General, at 200 South Michigan, all next week, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.