Following a 1960 massacre of non-violent black demonstrators, Mandela — who had previously advocated for nonviolent resistance in dismantling South Africa’s institutionalized white supremacy — resorted to violence in order to effect change, by helping to organize a paramilitary branch of the African National Congress (ANC). Four years later, Mandela, along with several other ANC peers, were charged with sabotage and sentenced to life in prison.
In 1990, south African President F.W. de Klerk called for the release of Mandela. Upon his release, Mandela would soon go on to become President of South Africa himself, inspiring countless individuals in his advocacy for peace and social justice, even after his December 2013 death.
With that in mind, here are some of the most inspirational Nelson Mandela quotes to help celebrate his legacy:
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