Nelson Mandela

 

In January, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. In October, people in India celebrate Mohandas Gandhi’s birthday and in July, it is Mandela Day to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday. All three men brought about change through nonviolent civil disobedience practices. Their changes brought civil rights to many people.

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. The Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes. We would be honored if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation.”

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa. He was born into the Thembu royal family. Because of his civil disobedience activities against apartheid, a system of racial segregation that privileged whites established in 1948, Nelson Mandela served 27 years in prison.

In 1990, he was released from prison and then in 1994 was elected the first black president of South Africa. When he became president, he had the skill, knowledge and kindness to work with all the people of South Aftrica including the ones who had supported apartheid. Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Mandela declined to run for a second term. Instead, he became an elder statesman, foucusing on charitable work in combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

It is refreshing and inspiring to read about people who bring about positive changes through kindness and nonviolent practices. In today’s news, you hear mostly about the terrible violence and fighting that is happening all over the world.

Fisher Hill has a workbook series called English Reading Comprehension for the Spanish Speaker. This is an excellent series for Spanish-speaking teens and adults who want to improve their English reading comprehension. The book includes many stories about famous people from the United States and around the world.

Visit our website at www.Fisher-Hill.com to learn more about our series English Reading Comprehension for the Spanish Speaker and other work books for Spanish-speaking teens and adults.