Born in 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela grew up in Soweto, South Africa. Mandela was the first in his family to attend school, earning his degree at the University of South Africa.

In 1942, he began attending meetings of the African National Congress. He quickly rose to leadership within this political party. Mandela fought against the unfair practices of the ruling National Party and urged South Africans to fight for their rights. When the National Party came to power in 1948, Mandela became the face of the anti-Apartheid movement.

Mandela worked to defend the civil rights of South Africans suffering under the unjust laws. He was quickly labeled an enemy of the state and was sentenced to life in prison in 1964.

While imprisoned on Robben Island, his dedication to fighting for a free South Africa never stopped. Mandela’s strong spirit became a symbol of strength for people struggling with injustice throughout the world.

When he was finally released on February 11, 1990 after serving 27 years in prison, the world watched in awe as he walked out a free man.

His negotiations in the early 1990s with South African President F.W. de Klerk helped end the country’s Apartheid system and ushered in a peaceful transition to black-majority rule. Mandela was elected the country’s first black president on May 4, 1994.

Today, Mandela stands as a model for peace and equality throughout the world.

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Text by Kathryn Berk. Image by Meredith Claire.