Into the Wild

Mini Research Project: Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa. He overthrew history by

turning his back on violence, and led a revolution against injustice from a prison cell. Before

Mandela made such a big impact in the world, he lived in poverty and obscurity. Mandela rose to

defeat the white minority rule of apartheid, and later on became president. He spent 27 years in

prison for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government, and after prison, he worked to

achieve a better future for South Africa.

Nelsons life began in poverty. His father died when Nelson was just nine years old,

which changed his life drastically. He was adopted by Chief Jongintaba, and given the same

status and responsibilities as the chiefs children. Ate the age of 16, Mandela was prepared to

become a man. Unfortunately, black people were enslaved by white men. They did not have

power over the government due to South Africa being led by white men.

Years later, Mandela attended the University College of Fort Hare. On his return home,

he was received with the news that the chief had arranged a wedding for Mandela. Jongintaba

wanted to make sure that Mandelas life was properly planned, and that the arrangement was

within his right, as tribal custom dictated. Mandela felt trapped at this moment, knowing he had

to follow orders, but instead of giving in and following orders, Mandela decided to run away

from home. Mandela became involved with anti-apartheid movements. He joined the group ANC

(African National Congress).

 Mandela spent years and years directing peaceful, nonviolent acts of defiance against the

South African government and racist policies. Nelson partnered with Oliver Tambo, and founded

a law firm called Mandela and Tambo. Tambo was a student Mandela met while attending Fort

Hare (The University College Mandela attended.). The law firm Mandela and Tambo provided

counsel for blacks who were unrepresented. This law firm represented black for a free or low

cost.

Unfortunately, in the year 1956, Mandela was arrested. He and 150 others were behind

cells for treason for their political advocacy. Even though Mandela was against violence, he

had begun to believe that the only way to change all this injustice was through violence. Mandela

made a whole revolution while behind bars.

Nelson Mandela became a hero to people all over the world because of his long fight

against racial prejudice and bad government. He was respected for his wisdom, his courage, and

for bringing people together. He helped everyone live in peace and harmony. His rebel

movements against government caused a great impact on our world, and we are all thankful for

it.

Nelson Mandela won a Nobel Peace Prize, and he fills over 5 shelves of world biography.

Unfortunately Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. But his story will forever be remembered.

"I am trying to put into these desolate figures

the savagery that I see in them and which is in me
too... Dammit, I want to consult nature as well but I
don't want to leave out what I see there and what
comes into my mind." - Paul Gauguin