Nelson Mandela (born 1918) is released from prison after serving over 27 years for his struggle against apartheid. Mandela's statement in court before sentencing has been an inspiration to all who oppose racism.

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.

Nelson Mandela's speech on his release from prison ended with these same words.  The complete text of that speech, a speech broadcast live throughout the world, is HERE.

Three years after his release from prison, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize which he accepted on behalf of all South Africans who suffered and sacrificed so much to bring peace to our land. And one year after that (1994), Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected President of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela is a hero and his life is an inspiration!  For more information, click the ANC site HERE or BBCNews HERE.