Nelson Mandela International Day — 18 July
Today we honor Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary, South Africa’s first black President, and a global symbol of courage, reconciliation, and service.
Born on 18 July 1918, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for standing against injustice. He later led South Africa from 1994 to 1999, focusing on dismantling apartheid, tackling institutionalized racism, and building national unity.
After his presidency, he continued his work through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, with a focus on fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS. In 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, a day to encourage people to take action to make the world a better place. In 2015, the UN also adopted the Nelson Mandela Rules to promote humane conditions in prisons.
“It always seems impossible, until it is done.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
5 ways to take action today:
1. Read: Long Walk to Freedom or The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
2. Watch: A film such as Mandela, Endgame, or Just Mercy
3. Learn: More about South Africa’s history and the struggle against apartheid
4. Give: Support the Nelson Mandela Foundation
5. Share: Post your favorite Mandela quote with #NelsonMandelaInternationalDay
This Mandela Day, take 67 minutes to serve others. Let us honor his legacy through action.
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