Today would have been Mandela's 100th birthday. Perhaps he lives on in another dimension! We can never really know but I like to entertain the idea.
Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary man of his time and left an imprint in the minds and hearts of the world. He was a symbol for the oppressed to rally behind and is considered the father of Modern South Africa.
He fought for change for 67 years. In 2009 the United Nations marked his birthday, July 18th, as Nelson Mandela International Day. The holiday asks that people spend 67 minutes doing something kind for others.
Today, and every day, let us be good to those around us. May we inspire change and encourage growth. Let us respect each other's viewpoints and differences. May we show our hearts. And may we love with the absolute highest human potential.
"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." -Nelson Mandela
Quick Key Facts About Mandela:
Artist: Linsey Levendall
1.) Elected in a fully representative election as the first black president of South Africa and termed from 1994-1999.
2.) Elected leader of the youth wing for the African National Congress(ANC) liberation movement in the 1950's.
3.) Sentenced to life in prison in 1962 for treason and conspiracy against the government.
4.) Released from prison in 1990 when the ANC became once again legal.
5.) Peacefully destroyed the Apartheid regime and received the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize along with 250 other awards.
6.) Started the Nelson Mandela Foundation after retirement from politics. The foundation focused on the construction of schools and combatting HIV/AIDS.