Nelson Mandela is one of the most recognizable human rights symbols of the twentieth century. He saw inequality as a global issue between race, equal power, and apartheid. His dedication to the liberties of his people that inspired human rights is known throughout the world. Mandela was the son of a tribal chief, and educated himself with a university degree and law degree. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and actively worked to abolish the apartheid policies of the ruling National Party. During his time of trying to abolish the apartheid policies, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for his actions. While in prison, Mandela showed his leadership of the rising anti-apartheid movement by repeatedly refusing to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. Even decades after his release in February 1990, he never lost focus of the goals he and others had set out to accomplish. Starting with the battle against racial oppression. In May 1994, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president and immediately changed the government from being apartheid to a democratic government. Following, he then revised the human rights so that everyone would have equal rights. Just not white, but blacks now had an equal chance towards education, housing, and financial aid.
Nelson Mandela- “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Nelson Mandela- “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”