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Biography of Nelson Mandela Essays

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Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is recognized for his leadership as a peacemaker and for distinctive aspects of his peacemaking practices all throughout the world. He was the leader of one of the most incredible political transitions in human history. Mandela is known as one of the great moral and political leaders of our times; an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa, won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country. In his autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom, he explains the tragedies and triumphs he has seen throughout his life. In the book, you get a glimpse of his life and how he became one of the greatest civil rights leaders in human history. Nelson …show more content…

It is an ideal for which I hope to live and see realized. But, my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” (Liberfield 1) Mandela maintained his peacefulness and leadership qualities in prison. Psychologist Saths Cooper, a leader of the rival Black Consciousness Movement, shared a cellblock with Mandela for five years at Robben Island. He observed that Mandela was, "Able to get on with every person he met. He played a vital role in dampening the conflicts that broke out on Robben Island. Despite having ideological disagreements, he was able to maintain personal contact" (Liberfield 1).
Another prisoner noted of Mandela, "It doesn't matter if you differ, he is always polite. He never gets angry. All he will do is try to have the discussion as amicable as possible" (Liberfield 1).
From 1964 to 1982, Mandela was kept in a maximum-security prison. In 1988, he was hospitalized for tuberculosis. Amidst increasing global pressures, the South African government under President F.W. de Klerk released Mandela from prison on February 11, 1990. On March 2, Mandela was chosen deputy president of the ANC, and he replaced the president in July 1991. Mandela and de Klerk worked to end apartheid and bring about a peaceful transition to nonracial democracy in South Africa.
In 1948, white South African voters

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