Every year on July 18th, Nelson Mandela International Day pays tribute to this anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and activist. The day also encourages people to do their part to make the world a better place.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black head of state. He served as President of the country from 1994 to 1999. During his leadership, Mandela focused on dismantling apartheid. He did so by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial recognition.

“It always seems impossible, until it is done.” Nelson Mandela

Earlier in life, Mandela was a member of the African National Congress (ANC). In 1943, Mandela co-founded the ANC’s youth league. He and the ANC committed themselves to overthrowing apartheid. The National Party’s white-only government established the policy of segregation and discrimination based on race known as apartheid.

Throughout the 1950s, the government arrested Mandela multiple times, and unsuccessfully tried him for treason. In 1962, the court gave him a life sentence for conspiring to overthrow the state. Mandela served 27 years in prison before being released in 1990 by President F.W. de Klerk.

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Nelson Mandela

Following his presidency, Mandela remained active in politics and humanitarian efforts. Through his charity, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, he focused primarily on fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS. Many people considered Mandela a controversial figure. Despite this fact, Mandela has received over 250 honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize. His home country honors Nelson Mandela with the name “Father of the Nation.”

NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY HISTORY

In 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day. The date celebrates Nelson Mandela’s birthday. He was born on July 18th, 1918. He died on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. In 2015, the UN extended the scope of this day to promote humane conditions of imprisonment. They did this by adopting a resolution that called for the formation of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NELSON MANDELA

1. Legal career

   Mandela was one of South Africa’s first black lawyers.

2. Yet another first

   Mandela was also South Africa’s first black president.

3. A Nobel Prize

   Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his influential work in ending apartheid.

4. Real name

   Mandela’s first name is actually Rolihlahla, but was nicknamed Nelson by one of his school teachers.

5. A loving nickname

   Many South Africans referred to Mandela as “Madiba” — which is a title of respect.

NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY DATES