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• Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa to be elected in fully representative elections in 1994. Former leader of the African National Congress, Mandela is well known for his influential role in the anti-Apartheid movement.

  Mandela sent a statement on Michael Jackson which was read during the opening of the July 7, 2009, memorial at the Staples Center by Smokey Robinson.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: July 18, 1918NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  2. Joined the African National Congress in 1944NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  3. Advocated the use of force in 1960, after the ANC was banned from South African politicsNobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  4. Sentenced to life in prison in 1964NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  5. Released from prison in 1990NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  6. Elected president of the ANC in 1991NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  7. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  8. President of South Africa: 1994-1999NobelPrize.org: Nelson Mandela Biography
  9. Author of Long Walk To Freedom
  10. Known as "Madiba," a title bestowed on elders of his clan, in South Africa

• Arthur Ashe Courage Award

  Mandela will be awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on July 19, 2009, for his efforts to reconcile white and black South Africans at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, hosted by South Africa. Mandela's daughter, Zindzi Mandela, and grandson, Zondwa Mandela, will accept the award on his behalf at the 2009 ESPYS.ESPN: Mandela named Ashe Award recipient (June 16, 2009)

• Background

  As a result of his fight against inequality, Mandela spent 28 years in prison and became an international symbol of freedom and equality. His dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, notably the Nobel Peace Prize, which he received in 1993. Though he left office in 1999, Mandela remained active in politics, working as an "elder statesman" and commenting on issues around the world. Since 2004, as a result of declining health, Mandela has taken a made fewer public appearances.

• ANC Rally

  Mandela made an appearance at an African National Congress (ANC) rally in April 2009 in a final effort to push support for the party during the South African elections. The appearance marked a rare event for the aging icon and possibly the greatest endorsement of the ANC possible.WashingtonPost.com: mandela Appears at ANC Rally... (April 19, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Apartheid | South Africa | Apartheid in South Africa | Thabo Mbeki | Robert Mugabe | Blood Diamond

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