Ask someone to make the world a better place and their reaction may range from a look of pure perplexion to all-out head-scratching. But put into the context framed by Nelson Mandela International Day, and the call for action becomes impossible to ignore. July 18 is the annual Nelson Mandela International Day - a day inspired by the humanitarian works of Mr. Mandela.
Mandela devoted 67 years to fighting oppression and social injustices; and on this day, people across the globe are asked to donate 67 minutes to help a person in need, and their community at large. Sixty-seven minutes may not seem like a lot of time to give in the service of others, but as Nelson Mandela's life has illustrated, the biggest movements result from small steps forward.
A Brief Glimpse at the Life of a Great Man
Nelson Mandela was born in South Africa in 1918. While attaining an education at university, Mandela became interested in politics and social causes, perhaps as a reaction to living under an oppressive system of apartheid. He joined a more radical version of the ANC (African National Congress, a group that sought to achieve equality for black people in South Africa) with many other like-minded students.
Mandela made a name for himself as he traveled the country to organize peaceful resistence movements against discriminatory legislation. He studied law, and opened a legal practice in Johannesburg in 1952, determined to represent those who had suffered under a segregationist regime. Following the Sharpeville Massacre, the ANC was banned, and Mandela was forced to live and work underground as a consequence of the political turmoil and rampant racism dominating South African society.
Only Free Men Can Negotiate
After years of being accused of criminal offenses such as treason, incitement to strike, and illegal exit from the country, Nelson Mandela was found guilty of sabotage and began serving a life sentence in June, 1964.
Mandela was incarcerated for over 27 years, constantly being challenged to relinquish his convictions for an opportunity at freedom. But he never faltered in his commitment to the causes he fought for. Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison in February, 1990, and immediately continued the fight for equality and democracy. Mandela became the first democratically elected President of South Africa on May 10, 1994; only a couple of weeks after the formal end of apartheid.
Though Nelson Mandela retired from public life in 2004, his words and actions continue to inspire people from around the world. A leader in the field of humanitarianism and social causes, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, the unwavering symbol of justice - Nelson Mandela is all of these things, but he has done more than words can express. On July 18, 2011, Mr. Mandela's 93 birthday, spend 67 minutes actively serving your community. It will mean more than you know, more than words can express.
Sources
- Nelson Mandela International Day. Mandela Day. Accessed June 12, 2011.
- The United Nations. Nelson Mandela International Day. Accessed June 12, 2011.
- The Nelson Mandela Foundation. Biography. Accessed June 13, 2011.
Alexis J Hyatt - Alexis Hyatt is a Buffalo-based writer who investigates the social, environmental, and cultural issues of the day.
