Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelawas a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as President of the African National Congressparty from 1991 to 1997...
NationalitySouth African
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth18 July 1918
CityMvezo, South Africa
In the 1940s, traveling for an African was a complicated process. All Africans over the age of sixteen were compelled to carry 'Native passes' issued by the Native Affairs Department and were required to show that pass to any white policeman, civil servant, or employer. Failure to do so could mean arrest, trial, a jail sentence or fine.
In many respects, people on the outside suffered more than those of us in jail. In prison, we ate three times a day, we had clothing, we had free medical services, and we could sleep for 12 hours.
When I went to jail, I was a trained lawyer. And when the wardens received letters of demands or summonses, they didn't have the resources to go to an attorney to help them. I would help them settle their cases, so they became attached to me and the other prisoners.
Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.
I discovered even before I went to jail that apartheid was not run by people who were monolithic in their approach. Some of them didn't even believe in apartheid.
People tend to measure themselves by external accomplishments, but jail allows a person to focus on internal ones; such as honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, generosity and an absence of variety. You learn to look into yourself.
In my younger days, I was arrogant - jail helped me to get rid of it. I did nothing but make enemies because of my arrogance.
Even if I go to my grave I will wake up and come and vote. One of the manifestations of pride (in your country) is to vote for your country, and I am very happy for it.
said Nic Buchanan, the creator of the comic books. ''They don't know their own history. We celebrated democracy and the miracle, but the building stones of a progressive and enlightened society needs work.
President Clinton, as well as the first lady, Hillary, they have the correct instincts on the major international questions facing the world today, ... For that reason, I hold him ... in high respect.
reaching the end of a long and heroic struggle.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we arepowerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be? ...an excerpt from "A Return To Love", a book by motivational speaker and author Marianne Williamson
We have failed to take HIV/AIDS seriously, ... That failure is a betrayal of our struggle for social justice and hope for our society.
I voted for myself. Even if I go to my grave, I will wake up and come and vote.