It's a day for celebration and gratitude to a man who, although born as Rolihlahla Madiba to a family of royal lineage, grew up under a steadily-tightening noose of racial oppression that climaxed with the South African National Party's imposition of apartheid law in 1948. Apartheid forced South Africans to carry passes designating their race, and it relegated black citizens to overcrowded "homelands" that were unfit for cultivating food or much of anything else.
Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.
The Mandela Day campaign message is:
"Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes."
"We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf.
Mandela Day also celebrates a campaign known as “46664”, in reference to Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island prison number. The campaign was originally launched to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS but focus expanded to broader humanitarian work. The efforts from Mandela Day support the campaign’s ongoing work and other charitable organizations.
MANDELA'S KEY DATES
* 1918 - Born in the Eastern Cape province
* 1956 - Charged with high treason, but charges dropped
* 1962 - Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison
* 1964 - Charged again, sentenced to life
* 1990 - Freed from prison
* 1993 - Wins Nobel Peace Prize
* 1994 - Elected first black president
* 1999 - Steps down as leader
* 2001 - Diagnosed with prostate cancer
* 2004 - Retires from public life
* 2005 - Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness
* 2007 - Forms The Elders group
* 2010 - Appears at closing ceremony of World Cup
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