Revered South African Anti-Apartheid Icon Nelson Mandela Passes Away at 95
by Will Kohler
Nelson
Mandela, the revered South African anti-apartheid icon who spent 27
years in prison, led his country to democracy and became its first black
president, died Thursday at home. He was 95.
"He
is now resting," said South African President Jacob Zuma. "He is now at
peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost their
father."
A
state funeral will be held, and Zuma called for mourners to conduct
themselves with "the dignity and respect" that Mandela personified.
Alhough
he was in power for only five years, Mandela was a figure of enormous
moral influence the world over – a symbol of revolution, resistance and
triumph over racial segregation.
He
inspired a generation of activists, left celebrities and world leaders
star-struck, won the Nobel Peace Prize and raised millions for
humanitarian cause
Mandela
was advocated for gay South Africans, and helped make the country the
fifth in the world to legalize gay marriage. “I am not truly free if I
am taking away someone else’s freedom,” the beloved Nobel Peace Prize
winner said of gay rights, “Just as surely as I am not free when my
freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are
robbed of their humanity.”
Nelson Mandela passed away at his home. He was 95
A great man.
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