Nelson Mandela: Champion of Racial Equality
by Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison because he fought for equal rights for all races. In the end he smashed the barriers of prejudice, and became the first president of a new multiracial, democratic government, in South Africa.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18th 1918. He was educated at the University College of Fort Hare and then at University of Witwatersrand, where he gained a qualification in law, in 1942.
He joined the African National Congress as a Statesman in 1944 and became one of its leaders in 1949. Nelson Mandela was involved in the fight against the ruling party’s policies on apartheid.
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Umknonto we Sizwe is formed
In 1960 the ANC was banned but Mandela argued that a military wing should be set up within the congress. The ANC executive agreed that those who wished to do this should be allowed to do so. Umkhonto we Sizwe was formed.
Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment
In 1961 he was tried for treason and found not guilty, but within a year he was back in court again and this time he was given a five year jail sentence with hard labour. While he was in prison he was also tried for sabotage, treason and conspiracy with violence. His sentence was then extended to life imprisonment and he actually served a total of twenty seven years in prison.
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Robben Island.
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Mandela becomes president of ANC
He was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison until February 1990. On his release he continued the fight he had started forty years before and in March of the same year, he was appointed the deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC) and in July he replaced President Oliver Tambo as leader of the Congress.
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Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Mandela
In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end apartheid and a year later he won South Africa’s first all-race elections and set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and then retired from politics
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Mandela given title of Madiba
Nelson Mandela was given the title of Madiba, which is an honorary title given to elders of his clan and in South Africa the title Madiba has become synonymous with this famous statesman. He encouraged reconciliation, discussion and understanding in his effort to achieve a multi-racial government in his country.
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Long Walk To Freedom
His book, Long Walk to Freedom, which is an autobiography has become one of the most widely read books of its type in modern times. Nelson Mandela has been given over a hundred awards and prizes over a period of forty years, in recognition of his work to put an end to apartheid in South Africa.
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Post Commentraman13
On September 10, 2009 at 8:35 am
Interesting
Best Regards
Diverseblogger
On September 10, 2009 at 9:30 am
I love to read things like this because it shows that other people other than Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks fought for rights for ALL Races! Great article Louie
Nikita K
On September 10, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Nelson Mandela was a true legend in his own right who has make many in the world look at him with nothing but respect and what I like about this article is how it serenades him for all of the work he has done and he remains and will remain a true champion! Brilliant article…
Ruby Hawk
On September 10, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Mandala is one of my heros. One of our most important people in history.
cutedrishti8
On September 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Nice one to share…great work…Great personality
Tim P Stavert
On September 10, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I never get tired of readin about this great man Louie and you have capture his spirit in this article.
It is a scary that in time he will be gone and leave a mark in history. Unfortunately there are many evil people of all colours and races that will not believe that this world is for all living beings to share, live without intimidation, murder and greed and suffering.
Kind Regards
Tim
Tim P Stavert
On September 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm
sorry for the spelling mistakes.
Tim
CA Johnson
On September 10, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I thought this was a great biography about Nelson Mandela. He has quite an interesting life. It really is a shame that he had to spend so much time in prison.
Guy Hogan
On September 10, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Nelson Mandela truly is a great man and is a representative of the new Africa. Now if only others will be carry on his work.
Lex92
On September 10, 2009 at 4:44 pm
we need more people like him in the world. Great article
gianne
On September 10, 2009 at 5:29 pm
This is a lovely tribute to a wonderful man.
Judy Sheldon
On September 10, 2009 at 8:08 pm
We need more wonderful men like him and less of those who persecute those like him. That was a mouth full.
Great tribute!
Anne Lyken Garner
On September 11, 2009 at 5:56 am
An informative article. I’m sure that this will get many views from school children looking on the internet for information about Mandella. Make sure you submit this url to Bing.
Anne Lyken Garner
On September 11, 2009 at 5:57 am
An informative article. I\’m sure that this will get many views from school children looking on the internet for information about Mandella. Make sure you submit this url to Bing.
Priyanka.dk
On September 11, 2009 at 6:44 am
Nealson Mandela is modern day hero and a huge personality. He is the inspiration to many of us. A good article.