I think what always separated Mr. Nelson Mandela was that he wasn't killed or assassinated. So many post-colonial, black nationalist, and revolutionary leaders were killed under tragic circumstances, that Mr. Mandela almost stands alone! That and his charisma was infectious, his rhetoric precise, his persona inspiring, his power to calm the masses unprecedented. We will miss him if only because of who he was, not just the symbolism alone. My whole life Nelson Mandela has been the grandfather figure of not just Africa, but really, the entire world of people born after the 1970s. We all collectively enjoyed his presence and sense of purpose. As has been said, he was in terribly poor health across many recent years, and as is sometimes said in these circumstances, "it was expected." This takes off some of the sting and edge to his death, but doesn't negate the overall loss. True, he hasn't been a direct or involved figure in politics and community building for many years, but his legacy remains firm. For Rastafarians, Mr. Mandela is an image of the inevitable triumph of good over evil.