Desmond Tutu was born in 1931 in South Africa under apartheid rule. He nearly died from tuberculosis as a child but was inspired to become a doctor. Unable to afford medical school, he became a teacher instead. Tutu later became an Anglican pastor and spoke out publicly against apartheid both in South Africa and around the world. Together with Nelson Mandela, Tutu fought against apartheid through non-violent means until it was finally ended in 1994, making him a hero for standing up against racial injustice.