News crews gather around a statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the South African Embassy in D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

City leaders are remembering former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday at age 95.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of President Mandela and the nation of South Africa,” Mayor Gray said in a release. “His astute diplomacy, his tireless dedication to justice and his deep commitment to non-violent resistance and reconciliation laid the foundation for countless leaders worldwide. Nelson Mandela’s profound legacy will forever inspire all who fight for human rights and peace around the globe.”

Council Chair Phil Mendelson called Mandela, who made several visits to D.C. over the years, “one of those rare world-class figures on the human stage.”

“A noble freedom fighter who started out as a leader in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, he came to be known as a world leader and statesman,” he continued. “He was a hero to people of all races.”

Former D.C. mayor and Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) said he was “[stricken] with grief over the passing of my good friend Nelson Mandela.”

“He came out of prison not bitter, but better. Plus, he represented so much to the world in terms of moral leadership,” Barry told the AP. “It’s still going to take us a while to live in a world without Nelson Mandela.”

“Never again will the world experience the dignified grace and humbled demeanor of a man who remained steadfast, year upon year, until he quietly changed the hearts and minds of those who fought to suppress the African nationals’ people,” Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large) said in a statement. “Nelson Mandela would not submit to injustice. Whether beaten or jailed, his courage persisted and his spirit will remain a beacon for freedom throughout the ages.”

President Barack Obama remembered the anti-apartheid leader as “one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth.”

Flags at the White House and all public buildings will fly at half-staff today until December 9.

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