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Biography of Nelson Mandela

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“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that responds and enhances the freedom of others” says Nelson Mandela. (cite) Mandela lived by these words and showed it in many ways. Nelson Mandela changed the world by ending apartheid, positively influencing others, and creating and supporting multiple charities. (add more information) Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, which is now known as Nelson Mandela day. By being the son of a tribal councilor, Mandela mastered the art of listening; this helped him become a successful leader and peacemaker. He was also a part of the Xhosa tribe, these people strongly believe in the importance of laws, education, and courtesy. The Xhosa’s culture influenced him to grow …show more content…

His followers could understand his passion for unity and willingness to forget that influenced them to follow in his footsteps. His kindness, his patience, his wry humor, his fundamental humility were also shown by Mandela which helped him win over the white community. ("Why FW de Klerk let Nelson Mandela out of prison") Even Barack Obama has said that the day Mandela was released from prison gave him a sense of what human beings can do. Besides inspiring people, he inspired songs such as Free Nelson Mandela, Mandela, Black President, and When You Come Back. The artists wrote these songs feel that he has changed their lives. For example, Mandela by Hugh Masekela wrote this song because wants Mandela to come back home to Soweto. ("Top Ten Songs About Nelson Mandela") His words and actions restored faith in people. (add more detail) Mandela’s son died of AIDS in 2005 and also his second wife had died due to pneumonia being a complication of AIDS. Mandela said, “Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like tuberculosis, like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of HIV/AIDS , and people will stop regarding it as something extraordinary.” ("Nelson Mandela: Charity Work & Causes") His wife and son’s death led to the start of his charity, 4664. When he was sent to Robben Island, he was given the prison number 4664. Thirty-eight years later, Mandela gave this number to a

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