Nelson Mandela

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.

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)

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.

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)

• July 18, 1918: Born

• 1943: Joins African National Congress (ANC)

• 1944: Marries Evelyn Ntoko Mase

• 1956: Accused of Conspiring to overthrow South African State

• 1957: Divorces Evelyn Ntoko Mase

• 1958: Marries Nomzamo "Winnie" Madikizela

• 1960: Sharpeville Massacre

• 1962: Arrested, and sentenced to 5 years, goes on the run.

• 1964: Captured and sentenced to life in prison.

• 1968-69:Mother and eldest son dies

• 1980: Supporters launch a campaign for his release

• 1990: Released from prison

• 1992: Mandela Divorces Winnie

• 1993: Awarded The Noble Peace Prize

• 1994: Elected President of South Africa

• 1998: Marries Graca Machel

• 1999: Stepped down from Presidency

• 2000: Appointed Mediator in the Civil War in Burundi

• 2001: Diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer

• 2004: Retired from public life

• 2005: His son dies of AIDS

• Cartoonstock: Nelson Mandela Cartoon

• Te Ara Cartoon: Nelson Mandela Wins 1994 Election

• YouTube: Nelson Mandela Production

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