What Is Nelson Mandela?

The world would not be the way it is today if it wasn’t for Nelson Mandela and his government dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalized racism. Rolihlahla Mandela was born July 18, 1918 in South Africa, a relative to the royal family of Tembu, and adopted the name Nelson after he was named so by a teacher in the school where he was learning as a young boy (Staff). Mandela’s fortitude and his eventual support for peaceful co-existence with whites earned him the respect of the world in the 20th century. Mandela is acclaimed as one of the greatest personalities of our times who graced our civilization with his personal charisma and noble contributions. His entire life epitomises man’s unquenchable thirst for freedom.

7-11) Within these letters he is meditating on his experience, interrogating his memory and conversing with a friend. He still had hope for the future, but also realized that he is fighting a hard battle. He also continued to offer hope for the South Africans but also the world (Mandela I). His quote from one of his letters written in prison stated, “ the ideals we cherish, our fondest dreams and fervent hopes may not be realized in our lifetime. But that is besides the point. The knowledge that in our day you did your duty and lived up to the expectations of your fellow men is in itself a rewarding experience and a magnificent achievement,” proves he did not regret fighting for what he believed in (Mandela II P. 243). Nelson in prison became the source of inspiration and example. Thousands of Africans joined the nationalist movement for freedom, forcing white rulers to give up apartheid and release Mandela. In 1990, because of South Africa’s economic situation being so weak due to the sanctions from the outside world, the President Frederik W. de Klerk, decided to release Mandela and also promised a gradual wind-up of the apartheid system (Staff). A letter written by Mandela to Rev. Chikane, right before he was released stated, “ Victory in a great cause is measured not only by reaching the final goal. It is also a triumph to live up to expectations in your lifetime

Campuses in America began the anti-apartheid movement. Upon Nelson Mandela’s death on December 5, 2013, President Obama ordered all flags to half-staff to honor a man who was born in South Africa but belonged to the world. Nelson Mandela, from prisoner to liberation figure to party leader, never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning! Mandela’s eventual support for peaceful co-existence with whites, never answered racism with racism, which earned him the respect of the world in the 20th century. His simple principles of political agitation, healing the wounds of hate, bringing about national unification and becoming the symbol of the oppressed people all over the world are some of his noble legacies to the world and will always be remembered for his remarkable journey of hardship, struggle and then