Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who
served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His long struggle against
racial oppression and 27 years in prison made him an iconic global figure.
Born into a royal family, Mandela studied law and joined the African National
Congress (ANC) in 1944 to fight apartheid laws. As a co-founder of the ANC's armed
wing, he was convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state in 1962 and sentenced
to life in prison.
While incarcerated on Robben Island, Mandela's reputation grew and calls for his
release intensified. Finally released in 1990, he led negotiations that ended
apartheid and was elected President in 1994 at age 77 in South Africa's first
multi-racial election.
As President, Mandela worked to dismantle apartheid's legacy and promote national
reconciliation. An inspirational leader, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in
1993. He died in 2013 at age 95.