Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela (http://www.people.com/people/package/0,,20763535,0 ())

The definition of hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Rolihlahla Mandela (later known as Nelson Mandela) was born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa. In the year of 1925 Nelson Mandela attends a primary school near Qunu. Mandela's teacher gave him the name "Nelson". Over the years spent living in Africa his name began to be established on his determination, dedication, ambition, and principled guidance.

Nelson Mandella in prison (https://drdivaphd.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/mandiba-nelson-rolihlahla-mandela-dies-at-95/nelson-mande)

  In 1944 Nelson Mandela co-founded ANCYL (African National Congress Youth League. Nelson Mandela spent his young life fighting for the freedom of South Africa's Black and colored population and equality. Mandela put the cause of justice and freedom from oppression before his own safety. Mandela was willing to fight against injustice and racism wherever he went. From the 1940s to the 1990s South Africa lived under the apartheid regime, meant that people were racially segregated. Black people were not able to vote and were denied of many of the rights that were given to the white people. Mandela was a strong anti-apartheid. Apartheid government did not tolerate opposition. 1952 traveled across country to organize protests against discriminatory policies. On December 5, 1956, Mandela and 155 others were arrested and went on trial for treason (in jail for nearly 27 years) released in February 11 1990.

First president of South Africa inaugurated on May 10 1994. Mandela was the first non-white to be head of state in South Africa. Mandela won 62% of votes during election. In 1948 became national secretary of ANCL. In 1951 Mandela  becomes president of ANCL. In 1943 Mandela graduates with BA from Fort Hare; Enrolls for an LLB at Wits University. Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Receiving the prize, he said, "This must be a world of democracy and respect for human rights, a world freed from the horrors of poverty, hunger, deprivation and ignorance, relieved of the threat and the scourge of civil wars and external aggression and unburdened of the great tragedy of millions forced to become refugees."

Nelson Mandela receives nobel peace prize (https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Mandela-and-de-Klerk-Share-Nobel-Peace-Prize)

In 1995, then-President Mandela opened the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund to help protect and empower children. Then, after retiring as president in 1999, he founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation to continue its work to better the world. April 27, 1994 Nelson Mandela votes for the first time in his life in the countries first all race election. In the winter of 1964, Nelson Mandela arrived on Robben Island where he would spend 18 of his 27 prison years. Confined to a small cell, the floor his bed, a bucket for a toilet, he was forced to do hard labor in a quarry. He was allowed one visitor a year for 30 minutes. He could write and receive one letter every six months.

Bill Clinton: "Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings. History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation." Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa. The definition of hero is someone who risks their life for others. Nelson Mandela is a hero because he risked his life for others and fought for equal rights with white people. Nelson Mandela serves as an inspiration because he kept fighting for his rights and freedom and he never gave up. After years of fighting he accomplished his goal. Nelson Mandela motivates me to never give up and keep trying as hard as i can.