Nelson Mandela Day
A friend of mine from South Africa reminded me that today was Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday. It is a happy, festive day in South Africa. It is the day the South African people celebrate the birthday of their beloved former President and anti-apartheid hero, by doing good works in his honor. South Africa is not the only nation inspired by Mandela. The United Nations General Assembly in November 2009 proclaimed July 18th as “Nelson Mandela International Day”. It is the first time that the UN has dedicated an International Day to an individual.
“Nelson Mandela International Day” is not only a day to honor Mandela, but it is a day to celebrate his achievements in freedom, justice and democracy. He has spent his life serving humanity. He spent 67 years from 1942 until his retirement from public life in 2009, working for equality in the African nation. He has been instrumental in creating a democracy towards a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison, he became President where he gave priority to conflict resolution and race relations. He promoted and protected human rights, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. He strived to uplift and aid poor and underdeveloped communities. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that “Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations…..He is an exemplary global citizen.”
It is a day when people in South Africa try a little kindness-67 minutes worth-to reflect the 67 years Mandela worked for equality. Whether it is 67minutes to a humanitarian cause, or simply by just doing a good deed, regardless of whether the action is big or small, isn’t it a wonderful idea to change the world for better? Here’s hoping it becomes more than a once a year event!
