Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 1918 - 2013
After the ending of apartheid, South Africans elected Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as "Madiba" to lead the country as its first democratically elected president. Mandela, born Transkei, South Africa, is best known for fighting for equal rights and the founding of a true representative government in South Africa.
Freedom is Mandela’s legacy, despite the South African government imprisoning him multiple times as retribution for his tireless political activism. South Africa would not have democratic elections free from racial segregation if not for Mandela’s lifelong activism.
Not many individuals in the history of the world have more vehemently or consistently fought for the rights of others. Mandela was unwavering in his fight for justice. This was most evident in his famous "Speech From the Dock" during the Rivonia Trial, where he faced the death penalty.
"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." – Nelson Mandela, Speech From the Dock, April 20, 1964
Mandela received a life sentence for "sabotage" following the Rivonia trial. He served the following 27 years before being released in 1990. Following his release from prison, Mandela continued the fight to end the apartheid (legislation enforcing racial segregation adopted and maintained by all-white national lawmaking body) government structure that existed in South Africa.
Mandela's sacrifice improved the lives of Black South Africans forever. Despite enduring unimaginable racism, Mandela never sought retribution. He served with dignity and will forever represent hope for those oppressed and those fighting to destroy systems of oppression.
Mandela's heart was pure, but more importantly, his influence is never-ending. Desmond Tutu, a fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate from South Africa, articulated it best, "Like a most precious diamond honed deep beneath the surface of the earth, the Madiba who emerged from prison in January 1990 was virtually flawless."
