" I have cherished the ideal of a free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for...but if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela spoke these famous words and is known for transforming a model of racial division and oppression into an open democracy. Mandela is one the admired national figures of our age. Nelson says, "I am not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances." From Nelson's childhood, as a member of the royal house, being stripped from his indignity in prison, to becoming president of South Africa, his life is an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope and ultimate triumph. Let us begin this journey of a true leader of peace.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Mvezo, which was the capital of Transkei. Mvezo was a tiny village removed from the world and the western civilization influences. Nelson was from a Thembu Royal house and his birth name, Rolihlahla, was given by his father, which means "troublemaker." His English name, Nelson, was given to him by his teacher on the

In December, Nelson was elected deputy to Albert Luthulis, the new president-general of the ANC. The South African government decided to ban both of them and other leaders from moving out of their assigned areas and attend any meetings with more than one person at a time. Mandela had to remain in Johannesburg for 6 months. Several years later, Nelson continued his law practice but because of his leadership of the apartheid, the Transvaal Law Society tried to disbar him. The Supreme courts, however, ruled in favor of Nelson. Mandela recalled, "In the courts we were treated courteously by many officials, but we were very often discriminated against by some and treated with resentment and hostility by others." In 1955, a Freedom Charter was draw up which began, "We the people of South Africa declare for all our country and the world to know: that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people." Nelson was banned from attending this meeting but he was able to send letters to inspire the movement. The police conducted investigations and raids were made on homes and offices. Nelson's papers were seized. On December 5, 1956, Nelson was arrested and charged with violation of the Suppression of Communism Act. For 6 years, Nelson was in and out of jail. Nelson used this time to prepare for his defense. This charge was finally put on trial, known as the famous Treason Trial. Nelson married Winnie during this same time; however, this union sparked a political partnership that Nelson needed to withstand the persecutions that he was receiving. There were many nights when Nelson and Winnie woke up to the sounds of the police knocking at the door, raiding their home, personal belongings and being called vulgar names. Not only was Nelson arrested for no reason, Winnie was jailed while she was pregnant. She was released and found not guilty but the government made it very hard for her. The government ordered Winnie's employer to dismiss her. Other terrible things happen about 35 miles away in Sharpeville. A crowd gathered for a peaceful protest and the police began to shoot into the crowd killing 69 people, 180 wounded. The Sharpeville massacre got international attention and the South African government was condemned. The government had to declare a state of emergency because of the protest demonstrations throughout the country. Leaders of the ANC were arrested and some followers. Meanwhile the Treason trial was about to end. Nelson was acquitted. Nelson was free to go wherever he wanted. The ban was lifted but only for a short time. Nelson took this opportunity to go underground and further the cause of civil rights. Nelson established the National Action Council to organize the stay-at-home protest. The government did not like this so they began the arrests again. Nelson could not be caught. He earned the name of the Black Pumpernickel after the fictional character, Scarlet Pumpernickel. Nelson explained, "I have had to separate mys

Some common words found in the essay are:
Nelson Winnie, South Africa, Council Chiefs, Africa Bantus, Africa ANC's, Robben Island, Paramount Chief, Rolihlahla Mandela, South African, Pumpernickel Nelson, south africa, south african, paramount chief, nelson's father, nelson married, black africans, nelson married winnie, rights people, nelson loved, nelson winnie, rolihlahla mandela, south african government, treason trial nelson, nelson rolihlahla mandela,
Approximate Word count = 2080
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)