(Black PR Wire) “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela

 Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) was a South African political activist who spent over 20 years in prison for his opposition to the apartheid regime; he was released in 1990. In 1994, Mandela was later elected the first leader of a democratic South Africa. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (jointly with F.W. de Klerk) in 1993 for his work in helping to end racial segregation in South Africa. He is considered the father of a democratic South Africa and widely admired for his ability to bring together a nation, previously divided by apartheid. Nelson Mandela is one of the most admired political leaders of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century for his vision to forgive and forge a new ‘rainbow’ nation. (Source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/nelson-mandela.html)

To commemorate Mandela’s legacy, July 18, 2017 has been designated as Nelson Mandela International Day. This awesome observance commemorates the lifetime of service Nelson Mandela gave to South Africa and the world. The observance was launched on his birthday, July 18th in 2009 via a unanimous decision by the UN General Assembly.

Nelson Mandela International Day calls on us all, every day, to make the world a better place. Each year, we should look back on what has been done, and look forward to what will be done. Making every day a Mandela Day celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy in a sustainable way that will bring about enduring change.