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Nelson Mandela Day is Saturday, July 18th, by Julie Schaeffer

Fri, 07/17/2009

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Nelson Mandela is a public figure whose inspirational story demonstrates what one person can do to enact change in the world. Now, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is encouraging people around the world to celebrate Mandela's legacy and to continue to share his message of promoting peace and fighting poverty. The foundation rechristened Mandela's birthday, July 18^th, Mandela Day.

Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years after being arrested for anti-apartheid activism. At his trial, Mandela said, "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." (From the MandelaDay.com timeline)

Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and eventually elected president in the first South African election open to citizens of all races. In 2004, he retired from public life. For more information about his life, visit the Mandela Day website or visit Wikipedia.

Below are some Penguin books about Mandela's life and the struggle against apartheid.