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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is a pity that Nelson Mandela’s illness has stopped America’s first black President from meeting the first black President of South Africa, not least because such a meeting would have brought home the great transformation that has occurred in both countries.
While everyone remembers South Africa for the apartheid system, we often forget that a form of apartheid was once just as entrenched in the Deep South of the United States.
The American civil rights movement began challenging segregation in the 1950s, long before change came to South Africa. At the same time, Mr Mandela’s election as President, and his wisdom in office, helped create a new image of black statesmanship, which has resonated far beyond the African continent. In that sense, President Mandela paved the way for President Obama. No wonder he calls him his hero.
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