Nelson Mandela By: Alivia Stephens, Britnee Cheney & Emily Francis

Introduction: Britnee  Some may say Nelson Mandela fulfilled the meaning of his name, “Troublemaker”. In his efforts to bring rights and equality to the “lower class” of South Africa, (through economical aid, to raise quality of life), he found himself arrested and in prison for life. While there, he continued with his work helping prisoners adapt to the social and political situation they were in.  His example shows how powerful the human spirit can be when faced with challenges and trials. He is an example of a hero in the sense that he believed so strongly in his cause. To him it was a righteous purpose, and he never backed down.

History: Alivia  His tribal birth name was Rolihlahla meaning “trouble maker”  He was born in the Transkei of South Africa on the 18 th of July  At 16 years old he started school at Clarkebury Boarding Institute in the district of Engcobo.  When Nelson was nineteen he moved to Fort Beaufort to attend “Healdtown, the Wesleyan College in Fort Beaufort.”  After completing his schooling at Healdtown “The University of Forte Hare was the next school he would attend because it was the the only residential center of higher education for blacks in South Africa.”  He attended Witwatersrand where he completed his degree in Law in 1944.

History: Alivia  He was married three times and had a total of six children.  Nelson Mandela joined the ANC in 1944 after receiving his degree in law. (ANC stands for African National Congress)  The ANC was banned and was considered to be a group of conspirators to over throw the government.  After many years of involvement with the ANC Nelson Mandela was tried and found guilty of high treason.  He served a total of twenty seven years in two different prisons.  After a review in 1989 by F.W de klerk the (President of South of Africa at the time) the bans on the ANC were lifted and Nelson Mandela’s charges were dropped.  February 11 th 1990 marked Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

Purpose: Emily  Nelson Mandela thought it best to share the responsibility of economic aid for Southern Africa.  Nothing can be resolved as long as people are being humiliated. “Equal dignity for all” (Nelson Mandela)

Argument: Britnee  Nelson Mandela joined the ANC for all the right reasons.  I do not agree with some of the violence they used to get there point across.  He had so much: money, education, his own business, but he gave it all up.  He must have been very disciplined because he never took the easy way out.

Argument: Britnee  The main thing that could have prevented these events from happening is for whites to have understood and lived with equal rights back then.  Another big help would have been for them to have let go of the greedy nature of man.  If Africans and whites could have each given a little bit, then I believe they could have coincided.  If non of these events had happened at all Nelson could have grown his business, and the country could have developed faster.

Relations: Britnee  Nelson Mandela and I are different in almost everyway.  Our cultures and traditions are completely opposite.  Nelsen Mandela had trials very different from mine: He was imprisoned for 26 years, where as I have never even gotten a parking ticket.  One similarity between us is school. He didn’t even start school till he was 16, I was homeschooled all the way up till college. That can be intimidating sometimes.  He went through so many trials but did not let them discourage him. I hope I can learn and make the best of my trials as he did.

Relations: Alivia  I feel my relation to Nelson Mandela is a struggle for something better  My desire for something better I feel relates to Nelson Mandela in a sense of desire to exceed expectations and pursue our goals no matter the cost.  We are both dedicated to helping people and achieving something that has an impact on our society.  I feel that in relation to Nelson Mandela my voice also can and will be used as encouragement.

Relations: Emily  I believe that I, like Nelson Mandela was, am a great leader.  He reached out and cared for others when he had no obligation to do so. I personally reach out to the homeless and help teach children weekly.  We both promote unity no matter who you are and where you are from.  And last but not least we never give up!

Conclusion: Britnee  Nelson Mandela worked hard all of his life and is known and looked up to by many because of it. He didn’t let his social status discourage his educational goals. He went to college, built his own business, and fought for his rights. Nelson Mandela is a great example of determination.

References  Ebsco  “Long Walk To Freedom” By Nelson Mandela

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