Nelson Mandela believed everyone should be treated fairly, no matter the color of their skin. He spent 27 years in prison for standing up for that idea — and when he finally walked free, he chose forgiveness instead of anger, and helped heal a whole country.
Quick facts
- Born
- 18 July 1918, Mvezo, South Africa
- Died
- 5 December 2013, Johannesburg
- Famous for
- Ending apartheid and uniting South Africa
- Big honor
- Nobel Peace Prize, 1993
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An unfair country
When Mandela was young, South Africa had cruel rules called apartheid that treated Black people unfairly — they couldn't vote, go to the same schools, or live where they wanted. Mandela decided this was wrong and bravely worked to change it.
27 years in prison
Because he fought for fairness, Mandela was sent to prison for 27 long years, much of it on a tiny island. But he never gave up hope. He kept learning, stayed kind, and dreamed of a free country for everyone.
Free at last
In 1990 Mandela finally walked free, and in 1994 South Africa held an election where everyone could vote. The people chose Mandela, and he became the country's first Black president. Instead of seeking revenge, he asked everyone to forgive and live together as friends.
"It always seems impossible until it's done." — Nelson Mandela
Why we remember him
Mandela showed that forgiveness is braver than anger, and that one determined person can change the world. Like Mahatma Gandhi, he proved that kindness and courage can defeat even the biggest unfairness.