“I am truly saddened by the passing of one of the greatest figures of our time, South African activist and former President Nelson Mandela.
“Nelson Mandela was an advocate for human rights and the face of the antiapartheid movement both in South Africa and around the world. Mandela fought for what was right, for the freedom of his people, and gave up his own freedom spending nearly three decades in prison. He remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice up until his last moments.
“His legacy will forever live in our hearts. My prayers go out to his family as well as the countless of individuals whom he touched directly and indirectly through his work,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.