In June 1990, Miami's politically powerful Cuban exile community protested a visit by Mandela, newly released from a South African prison, for his praise of Fidel Castro, arch-enemy of right wing, Cuban exiles but friend of the anti-apartheid movement.
Despite pleas by local African-American leaders, the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, along with Miami-Dade Country, refused to recognize Mandela when he visited the area for a labor conference. The Miami City Commission rescinded a proclamation honoring Mandela.
Tourists angry at the Mandela snub launched a boycott that cost the city $25 million in lost revenue. Business leaders helped end the boycott in 1993, but tensions continued in the 1990s between blacks and Cubans after several incidents between Miami police and immigrant Haitians.
"I offer now an apology to Nelson Mandela for the way he was received in Miami," Penelas told 10,000 delegates attending the national convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
"I am proud of how far we have come," Penelas said. "President Mandela's visit was one of the many challenges we have learned from."
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