Nelson Mandela was a man who devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality. Born in South Africa in 1918, Mandela became involved in the anti-apartheid movement at a young age and was a member of the African National Congress (ANC). He was imprisoned for 27 years for his opposition to the government. Still, upon his release in 1990, he played a key role in negotiations to end apartheid and establish multi-party democracy in South Africa. In 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black President and worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation and address the social and economic inequalities left over from the apartheid era. Mandela’s leadership and courage inspired people worldwide, and his legacy continues to be celebrated and revered to this day.