Chris Lubbe was a bodyguard and close friend of the iconic South African civil and human rights activist
In observation of the upcoming New Jersey Annual Week of Respect, the Burlington County Freeholder Board is partnering with the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Special Services School District (BCSSSD) to once again host Mr. Chris Lubbe for two very special visits to Burlington County. Mr. Lubbe was the former bodyguard and close friend of the iconic South African civil and human rights activist and former president, Nelson Mandela.
“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I am honored and excited to welcome Chris Lubbe back to Burlington County,” said Deputy Director Linda Hughes, who serves as Freeholder liaison to BCIT and BCSSSD. “I was fortunate enough to meet Chris last year and hear his incredible story. He is inspirational and I am pleased to provide our students and staff with another opportunity to hear his powerful message of peace.”
On Monday, Oct. 1, he will speak on the BCSSSD Westampton Campus at 9:30 a.m. and then again on the Lumberton Campus at 12:30 p.m. The following day, Tuesday, Oct. 2, Chris Lubbe will be speaking on the BCIT Westampton Campus at 9:45 a.m. and then on the Medford Campus at 1:30 p.m. The four lectures are only open to students and staff. While visiting Burlington County next week, Mr. Lubbe will be visiting several Burlington County high schools.
Chris Lubbe’s message will promote tolerance, forgiveness, respect, unity, and peace based on his own personal life circumstances living through Apartheid and his time witnessing Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy that one person can truly make a difference. In addition, Mr. Lubbe will reference his personal interactions with the Royal Family, his close relationship to Nobel Peace Prize Awardee Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and experiences alongside Nelson Mandela.
“Having listened to Mr. Lubbe speak, I am touched for a lifetime. Mr. Lubbe delivers a lasting message that reminds us to appreciate the blessings and freedoms we share as a result of living in this country and the importance of respecting one another,” said BCIT/BCSSSD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Nagy.
Mr. Lubbe spoke at BCIT during last year’s Annual Week of Respect, his first time speaking in the United States, and received a standing ovation. The New Jersey Annual Week of Respect promotes a focus on continually fostering a positive school climate to prevent issues of bullying, intimidation and harassment among students.
“We look forward to hosting Mr. Lubbe at BCIT and BCSSSD and providing our students and faculty with another opportunity to hear his impactful story,” said Board President Robert Silcox.
