Nelson+Mandela

Nelson Mandela


 * Introduction**

In 1918 in a small town in Africa Nelson Mandela was born. He was the first black president in south Africa. that was a huge difference then the other leaders of Africa that were white or some other race in mind back before nelsons time. He won a noble piece prize in peacemaking in 1993, he also gave many people hope that gave up in hope before. Mr. Mendela is arrested at his home for being accused of treason and 155 others who called for a nonracial state in South Africa ("The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013"). He got captured by people that didn’t like his methods all that much they abused him and tortured him thinking that, that would make him stop his teaching and civil stand.
 * Personal Background**

His birthplace was in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. When he was in his 20’s he became actively involved in an anti-apartheid movement that he really felt for. In 1942 He later joined the African national congress in. he was directing a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the south African government since he knew all the bad stuff they have done throughout the years. African president F.W. de Klerk awarded Nelson Mandela the noble piece prize for his efforts for trying to store peace in a land with a bundle full of violence. He was later announced president of south Africa which was very important to him and the people of Africa since that made him the first black president of south Africa. For his sacrifices for the African people making peace possible they made ‘’Mandela day’’ officially on his birthday so everyone could know everything he has done for them so they wont forget. Ever since he was a little kid his parents knew that Mandela was going to be something great especially since he was the first in his family to go to school. When Mandela was 9 years old his father had died of lung disease which made his life change dramatically. Later on he was adopted by chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo the former regent of the Thembu people. The chief did this since Mandela’s father who years before had recommended Jongintaba be made the chief. Mandela quickly adapted to his new surroundings and was given the same responsibilities as the chiefs kids who had gotten the best education money can buy that’s when and where Nelson Mandela took and interest in African history from the elder chiefs who would come and visit the palace. Mandela was a private person who often concealed his emotions an confided in very few people ("Nelson Mandela"). He saw how the African people lived in harmony until the white man came into their land, that quickly changed everything that they knew. Once Nelson Mandela turned 16 he had to participate in the traditional ritual which was circumcision that would show them going from boyhood to manhood. He participated in all the rituals, the main speaker at this traditional state was chief Meligqili. When he spoke he spoke sadly of the young man talking about how the white man had taken over and enslaved all who lived within the grounds. To Mandela the chiefs sayings didn’t make much sense to him but they would eventually to help Nelson with independence for south Africa. In 1939, Nelson Mandela enrolled into the university of fort hare. That was the only place this higher educated Africans could go to become even more educated. In his second year at his new university he was elected to the student Representative Council. For a while students have had enough of the terrible food and lack of power and they knew Mandela could help them out.


 * Obstacles**

There were many obstacles Mandela had to face to be were south Africa is right now which is a free place no more being governed by people who hated the African race itself. One of the major obstacles he has faced was being jailed for over 27 just because the government that was in control at that time hated how Mandela was trying to set Africa free from being ruled over as dogs. Some physical obstacles he faced was that he wasn’t the healthiest person alive he suffered from many health problems through his years, but he still managed to overcome all those problems to help his people be free and be where they are right at this very moment and till this day even though he has passed away people still have respect for him. When Nelson Mandela was born his father passed away when he was barley 9 years old which has to be the worst obstacle to overcome even for a man with such bravery and courage as him. Apart from losing his dad later through the years Nelson had lost both of his sons the youngest died in a car crash while Nelson was in jail and his eldest which whom died from aids on January 5. Even as he was going through such an emotional time racial discrimination was such a huge thing down there the African race was still getting tormented by races who think of theirs as superior when in reality all races are equal no race is above others. Once Nelson was released from prison in 1990 he was elected as the first black president of south Africa which gave the people much more hope even though it seemed as if hope was all lost. There were some obstacles that made Mandela want to give up but he would always remember that the people of Africa were counting on him and he wasn’t about to let them all done after he has come so far. But just knowing how difficult it must be to even try to succeed in an environment where your race started out for centuries then to have it basically taken over but a race where they will not let you be free as you were before they came. Nelson Mandela proved that the impossible is never impossible it just takes heart to overcome it. But as well as all the obstacles he has also made some risks in his life, such as having been away from his family for a long time due to him being in prison and fighting for the right of his people. Mandela has faced some serious obstacles that could have taken his life he was messing with the wrong type of people that could have someone disappear just with one phone call, but however he didn’t care for the risks because he knew what he was getting himself into the moment he started helping out the African people that he so much cared for. That is why he never wanted to include his family in the protests or in any national activity because he could be putting his family in jeopardy. Learning how stuff in life isn’t free was hard for him since he had to work for what he has now and where he is at now without having people to motivate him in his quest the people of Africa would probably still be owned by the harsh people as before. The thing that people didn’t quiet know was that throughout this whole process Nelson Mandela was scared not scared for losing to the white man but scared that something horrible could happen to his family if he pushes the boundaries but for his life he was ready to die for his people in a heart beat. Overall Mandela was an amazing leader quiet like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr whom fought for the African American rights here in the United States and marched into Selma knowing the dangers waiting there but he was also ready to die so that his people could live in prosperity and peace.( "Nelson Mandela's Long History of Repiratory Problems.").


 * Historical Significance**

Well other than the fact that he was the first African president in Africa he also set a numerous record of things that were Important to the people of Africa. No matter how many times he would get stuck in whatever he was doing he would never give up hope. If you were to ask the people in Africa what Nelson Mandela has done for them they would say that he has done a lot for them to be free and be where they are right at this moment because without him they would probably be in captivity and wouldn’t have the freedom and rights they have right now. For one example he changed the world and before he was just a regular kid in a small village and he was also the first in his family to attend school. Himself and his friend Oliver Tambo were south Africa’s first to set up a black-run-law firm that provided affordable legal counsel to blacks who had broken Apartheid-era laws. He was also known for being a master of disguise and avoiding arrest such as pretending to be a field worker or a chauffeur to avoid capture. After he was captured in a chauffeur costume during his trial the one thing he said that got national attention which was that he is ready to die for his people and that had saved his life from being imprisoned for possibly a long time 8. When he was a kid his favorite sport the one he most loved to play the most was soccer according to the LA Times. Nelson Mandela was honestly I could say the world’s most strong and civil leader he didn’t have to use any violence to get the South African people free. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion," ( Lindsay Deutsch). Many people lost hope throughout Mandela’s fighting but he wasn’t going to let them lose hope so he fought harder and tougher than ever which is why he is known for not giving up so easily. His presence to the people is heartwarming because they know he is the reason why they can live in peace and harmony if he wasn’t born or put in the path he was put in south Africa probably would’ve been a direct rule still and that wouldn’t be good at all for the African people. Another historical event was when he was captured the people that took him thought he would break and give up everything but they were horribly wrong because clearly he hasn’t done that even though he has been treated horribly and tortured he had his faith and hope that kept him going. Knowing that if he messes up this could end badly but he took the risk anyways which showed he would lose anything for the people he cared about which in this case is the whole African nation and its people in it. So therefore I strongly believe that Nelson Mandela is one of the worlds most powerful leaders and all the evidence proves it. "


 * Refrences**


 * "Nelson Mandela." //Wikipedia.// Wikipedia foundation, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.**


 * Network, Lindsay Deutsch. "The Essential Nelson Mandela Reading List." USA Today. Gannett, 06 Dec. 2013. web. 12 May 2015.**


 * "The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013." The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 May 2015.**


 * "Nelson Mandela's Long History of Respiratory Problems." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.**