Nelson Mandela International Day

 

Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009.

On 27 April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's former President, and his values, through volunteering and community service.

 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 has fought for social justice for 67 years. We're asking you to start with 67 minutes." "We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring people together around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf.

To mark the first global celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July 2009, Mandela's 91st birthday, a series of educational, art exhibit, fund-raising and volunteer events leading up to a concert at Radio City Music Hall on 18 July were organised by the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formally declared 18 July to be "Nelson Mandela International Day".

In 2012, the UN General Assembly established the Nelson Mandela Prize, a quinquennial  award recognizing the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service oh humanity.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

 

Born: 18 July 1918, Mvezo, South Africa

Died: 5 December 2013, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa

Buried: 15 December 2013, Qunu, South Africa

Children: Zindziswa Mandela, Zenani Mandela, Madiba Thembekile Mandela, 

Spouse: Graça Machel (m. 1998–2013), Winnie Mandela (m. 1958–1996), 

Awards: Nobel Peace Prize, Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, 

Grandchildren: Ndaba Mandela, Mandla Mandela, Mbuso Mandela, Zoleka Mandela,