Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa. He was the first member of his family to attend school, where he was given the English name "Nelson." As a young man, Mandela became involved in the African National Congress (ANC) to fight against the oppressive apartheid regime that enforced racial segregation in South Africa.
Mandela's activism led to his arrest in 1962, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in planning sabotage against the government. He spent 27 years in prison, much of it on Robben Island, where he became a symbol of the struggle against apartheid. During his imprisonment, Mandela continued to fight for equality and justice, gaining international support for his cause.
After his release in 1990, Mandela played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid and establishing multiracial elections in South Africa. In 1994, he became the country's first Black president, a position he used to promote reconciliation and nation-building. Mandela's leadership and commitment to peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He remains a global icon for peace and social justice, inspiring millions around the world.
1. What organization did Mandela join to fight against apartheid?