Nelson Mandela spent over 27 years in prison as a result of his opposition to apartheid in South Africa. The apartheid regime hoped the world would forget Mandela, but his wife, Winnie Mandela, along with other anti-apartheid activists, kept his memory alive as a global symbol of anti-apartheid.
At a time when white extremists were threatening to blow up South Africa rather than put an end to apartheid, Mandela managed to win their respect while maintaining his commitment to democracy and equality. He even won the respect of his jailers.
And although it looked as though apartheid would only end in armed struggle, with blood flowing in the streets, Mandela managed a smooth and bloodless transition to democracy, inspiring people all over the world.
Here are two of my favourite quotes from Nelson Mandela:
- It always seems impossible until it's done.
- No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
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Who is your favourite Black/African hero? Please post below and please share. Thanks.
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