“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela
Robben Island is located seven kilometers off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. Notoriously known as the prison for enemies of the government during the Apartheid era (1948 - early 1990’s), the island had been a destination for political prisoners as far back as the 17th century. For three centuries, this place was a symbol of repression and separateness. I want to make it clear that it is no coincidence that this Overview is being posted today. At this moment in history, Robben Island serves as a symbol of hope, a reminder that change for the better is both possible and sometimes difficult to recognize in the moment. This landmass of five-square kilometers hasn’t transformed too much since 1948, but we have. Since the end of apartheid, and to this day, the island has functioned as a living museum.
I have always thought one of the most powerful aspects of this project is that it had the ability to stay above the political fray. Usually, issues that divide us on the ground are not visible from outer space and therefore, our posts could offer a respite from that noise. However, with the current anger, grieving, and tension in my home country, I believe we are facing problems that go far beyond politics at this point. They are struggles for the most vital of human rights. Staying silent in this moment would go against everything this project hopes to accomplish. The astronauts who were lucky enough to see our planet from a great distance were reminded that we’re all in this together. Let’s start acting like it.
See more here: https://bit.ly/2AsOjhd
-33.806734°, 18.366222°
Source imagery: Maxar
