Nelson Mandela Biography: The Youngest Black President of South Africa
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Nelson Mandela is a hero to many. At the time of his arrest in 1962, he was the youngest black president of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison and became an international icon for social justice. After his release from prison and his election as president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela continued to fight against racial injustice and inequality. His life serves as an example of what one person can do to change the world for the better. Mandela remains a source of inspiration for people all over the world, especially young people. His biography shows how he rose above difficult circumstances to become one of the most respected men on earth. Let’s take a closer look at his story and how it impacted his legacy as “The Great Icon”
Early Years
Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, South Africa. His father died when he was 9 years old. He was sent to a school run by British missionaries, but he didn’t like it and ran away to Johannesburg when he was 16 years old. He got a job as a newspaper reporter and later as a law clerk while he was studying at the University of South Africa. During his college years, Mandela became involved in anti-colonial and anti-racist activism, joining the African National Congress (ANC). He also met and married a fellow anti-apartheid activist named Winnie Madikizela.
Becoming a freedom fighter
In his early 20s, Mandela became a full-time member of the ANC and joined the African National Congress (ANC). As a member of the ANC, he participated in many anti-colonial and anti-racist protests against the laws of the South African government. Mandela was arrested in 1956 and charged with treason against the South African government. He was sentenced to life in prison and transferred to Robben Island, a prison off the coast of South Africa. A few years later, fellow ANC members Walter Sisulu and other anti-apartheid activists were also arrested and sent to Robben Island. The government hoped to break their spirits by separating them from other prisoners, who were mostly black South Africans. But Sisulu, Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists put their heads together to plan ways to resist the government from inside the prison walls.
27 years in prison: Mandela’s sacrifice for justice
While in prison, Mandela and the other anti-apartheid activists protested the bad living conditions, the lack of food, and the abuse they received from prison guards. They staged hunger strikes and refused to work. On several occasions, they were placed in solitary confinement and were not allowed to communicate with their families or lawyers. But Mandela and the other anti-apartheid activists knew they had to make sacrifices to achieve justice and equality for all South Africans. They knew they were not alone. Throughout South Africa, thousands of black people were protesting against the government. They were inspired by Mandela and the other anti-apartheid activists on Robben Island.
The road to freedom and election as president of South Africa
After serving more than two decades in prison, Mandela and the other anti-apartheid activists were offered a deal. They could be released from prison if they promised to end their protests and accept the government’s offer of freedom for some black South Africans but not for all. Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists refused the deal. They said it was too early to decide to end their protests because the government had yet to make real changes for black South Africans. In 1990, the government of South Africa relented and agreed to end apartheid. Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were released from prison.
Lessons from Nelson Mandela
Mandela’s biography shows that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. He was able to achieve greatness despite spending most of his adult life behind bars. He became an international icon for social justice. Mandela’s story also shows that one person can make a big difference in the world. He dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice and inequality. It would be a world much better if we all followed his example. Mandela’s story reminds us that we shouldn’t judge people based on their race or religion. We should treat everyone with kindness, because we never know when we might need someone else’s help. Mandela’s story teaches us that we can make a difference even if we don’t have power or money. All we need is determination and a good heart.
