Celebrate Nelson Mandela's 94th Birthday

Nelson Mandela’s birthday is today, and there is much to celebrate. A renowned champion of racial justice, he transformed South Africa and has been an inspiration for millions.

It was not an easy road for Mandela, but he was no quitter. From the beginning, he was destined to stir things up. He was born with the name Rolihlahla, which simply means “troublemaker.” And he was aptly named, for he was not afraid to stand up for what was right, even if it meant trouble for himself.

Dedicating his life to racial equality in South Africa, he was arrested and imprisoned more than once for his fight to end the apartheid. In 1963, he was sentenced for life. He spent almost four decades in jail, and not once did he back down on his belief of racial justice.

He held true to the statement he gave in court before his sentencing:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. 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.

His staunch resistance inspired others to fight too, until finally the apartheid was broken in 1990 and Mandela was released. Three years later, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his brave and sacrificial actions.

Celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life by living today with extra intention to treat everyone equally and justly, what all fellow beings deserve. In the words of Mandela, “The time is always right to do right.” I can think of no better birthday gift than that — everyone doing their best to bring justice about in the world. Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela.

Feel free to leave your good wishes to Mandela in the comment section below.

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Jaime A.

2:09PM PDT on Jul 25, 2012

Happy birthday Madiba.!!

July 25
send a green star

Joyce G.

6:06AM PDT on Jul 25, 2012

You have been such a blessing to this world -- and an inspiration to so many. It is an honor to join in the celebration of your birthday.

Leanah N.

3:24AM PDT on Jul 25, 2012

Happy birthday Nelson Mandela. You should be greatly honoured on this special day!

Cecy V. A.

1:24PM PDT on Jul 24, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela, hope is full of all the beautiful things you'll ever wanted :D

July 24
send a green star

Elizabeth A.

9:30AM PDT on Jul 24, 2012

Happy birthdayMr,Mandela!

Max L.

1:58AM PDT on Jul 24, 2012

thanks for sharing
happy birthday Mr Mandela!

Heidi H.

12:40AM PDT on Jul 24, 2012

Thank you for being an inspiration and example of the goodness of humankind. Happy Birthday!

mike M.

4:54PM PDT on Jul 23, 2012

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela

July 23
send a green star

Theresa P.

4:10PM PDT on Jul 23, 2012

A very Happy and Healthy Birthday Mr. Mandela!

Renato K.

10:31AM PDT on Jul 23, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela! Thank you for your striking mood showing us how to put meaning in a lifespan. The struggle is not near the end, but it is quite nearer now than the time before you set your footprints in the path. Presently, your life is worthier than your own body can encompass, since the ideals of equality and justice already rised up in the many valorous men and women to whom you were far more than inspiration. Among other giants, be your name definitely written in the book of life in havens. Now and forever a world worthy to live in, with deeper comprehension of every single life being, this is what we are working for. And, as you told us, we shall endure it.