Nelson Mandela's Legacy

Nelson Mandela is one of the most admired people in modern history. He was born in South Africa in 1918. At that time, South Africa had a system called apartheid that separated people by the color of their skin. Black South Africans had very few rights. Mandela fought against this unfair system for his whole life. He spent 27 years in prison but never gave up hope. After his release, he became South Africa's first Black president and worked to unite his country.

The Fight Against Apartheid

Under apartheid, Black South Africans could not vote, go to the same schools as white people, or live in certain areas. Mandela joined a group called the African National Congress to fight for equal rights. He organized peaceful protests and later joined the armed resistance. In 1964, he was sentenced to life in prison. Even from his prison cell on Robben Island, Mandela became a symbol of the fight for justice.

Freedom and Forgiveness

In 1990, Mandela was finally released from prison. Instead of seeking revenge, he chose forgiveness and reconciliation. He worked with the white president, F.W. de Klerk, to end apartheid peacefully. In 1994, South Africa held its first election where everyone could vote. Mandela won and became president. He worked to bring all South Africans together, no matter their skin color. His example of forgiveness inspired the world.

Fun Facts

• Mandela's nickname was 'Madiba,' which was his clan name and a sign of respect.
• He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with F.W. de Klerk.
• Mandela loved boxing as a young man and trained as a boxer.

Did You Know?

During his 27 years in prison, Mandela was sometimes allowed only one visitor and one letter every six months, but he never stopped believing that justice would come.