Nelson Mandela was one of the most inspiring leaders of modern history. Jailed for 27 years for his efforts to end minority rule in South Africa, upon his release he became the country’s first black president. During his term in office he presided over the end of apartheid, and successfully led South Africa through the transition to free elections and majority rule. For his efforts to end apartheid, Mandela shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk.
Mandela’s legacy is celebrated every July 18th, the anniversary of his birth. Dubbed simply “Mandela Day” it serves as a reminder to bring people around the world together to fight poverty, promote peace and reconciliation, and to champion cultural diversity. The day takes Mandela’s incredible public service as an example, encouraging volunteerism, thus helping to make lasting positive changes in communities across the globe. This year’s Mandela Day will be celebrated on the centenary of Mandela’s birth, with a special focus on working together to eradicate poverty in South Africa and throughout the world.
In recognition of this year’s Mandela Day goal of fighting poverty, AAC’s staff is proud to be volunteering with a local organization called Urban Peak. Urban Peak serves youth experiencing homelessness in the Denver metro area. We are honored to spend time helping to make a difference in our community!
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
Interested in following in Mandela’s footsteps? Contact us and we can plan a customized safari to visit locations like Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned, Constitution Hill where South Africa’s democracy was born and a variety of sites in the Eastern Cape where Mandela was born.