The document describes key events in Nelson Mandela's life that demonstrated courage. It discusses how as a child in South Africa in the 1920s, Mandela decided to attend school, which was courageous given the challenges black South Africans faced at the time. In the 1950s, Mandela became president of the ANC and fought against apartheid, which was illegal and dangerous. In 1963, Mandela was arrested for his activism and sentenced to prison, where he endured poor conditions for decades, but remained determined to fight for racial equality upon his release.

2. 1923 When Nelson was only 5-year’s old living in South Africa, he decided to start going to school. This is courageous because boys at a young age like him especially black in South Africa end up in trouble or even worse other than going to school and staying out of trouble like Mandela did then. In his family culture you did not have to go to school, in fact Nelson was the first member of his family to attend school. His parents didn’t make him it was his choice and that shows a lot of courage even at that young age. 1925 Nelson was only 7 when his father died of lung disease. He hadn’t had anybody to look after him other than his father so had no choice but to move to a new guardian and start a new life. This shows courage because he did not question what he was told and without crying or whining just did what he was suppose to and moved to a new guardian. 1950 Nelson became the president of ANC. ANC is a group in South Africa who aims for a non-racial and democratic South Africa. This shows courage because fighting against the apartheid ( apartheid is the social and political policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by white minority governments in South Africa), in South Africa was illegal and protestors could get beaten or wiped or even put in prison. So Nelson was taking a brave risk and knew the consequences but did what whatever he could to fight for the freedom of the blacks in South Africa.

3. 1963 After nearly seventeen months of activism, Mandela was arrested and put in prison. He was charged with inciting people to strike and with leaving the country illegally. All Mandela wanted to do was change the way whites over-powered blacks in South Africa. This is what Mandela told the court: “The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices- submit or fight. That time has now come to South Africa. We shall not submit and we have no choice but to hit back by all means in our power in defense of our people, our future, and our freedom.” This shows courage because no matter the obstacle he wouldn’t stop until the blacks in South Africa got their freedom. 1964-1980 Year after year Mandela survived the rigors of prison life. Despite the hardships, Mandela kept up a routine of physical exercise- running in place, sit-ups and push-ups. He kept his mind sharp through study and when possible, discussion. Blacks had it harder in prison than whites, for example, whites got to wear long pants and blacks wore shorts also whites got blankets to sleep under and blacks got no blanket. But sooner the conditions got better. 1963 Nelson also told the court something very courageous. He told them that he will spend as much time is needed unless they give the blacks freedom. This is being courageous because he is putting his own life in risk for others and will do whatever it takes to have racial equality in South Africa.

4. 1990 On July 4, 1989, Nelson Mandela was free at last! After 27 years of prison life. Nelson did something that no one expected him to do when he got out of prison. He forgave those who imprisoned him. Even leaders who had criticized him were impressed by “his lack of bitterness towards who had imprisoned him.” Mandela did not focus on revenge but only what was best for the future of his country. 1994 On May 2, 1994, Mandela won the election and became the first black president of South Africa! “I stand here before you filled with deep pride and joy-pride in the ordinary, humble people of this country. You have shown such a calm, patient determination to reclaim this country as your own, and now the joy that we can loudly proclaim from the rooftops-Free at last! Free at last! I stand before you, humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love for all of you....This is a time to heal the old wounds and build a new South Africa.” He said in his victory speech. This is courageous because Nelson Mandela all through his life dreamed of racial equality and he never gave up on his dream. He was always determined and never stopped trying to give the blacks of South Africa a better life. Now South Africa has done something for him, by electing him president of South Africa.

5. Nelson Mandela spent nearly 3 whole decades in prison and about one-third of his life. Nelson was put in jail for inciting people to protest against the apartheid, also he left South Africa illegally. But he never gave up fighting for the freedom of the blacks in South Africa and when he got out he then forgave the people who put him in jail and said that people should live peacefully and that’s how Nelson Mandela gets the trait humanitarian.

6. Painting of Nelson Mandela By Sue Dickinson This is an unusual trait, but it is a very good trait for Nelson Mandela. Like I said before, Nelson was in jail for nearly three whole decades which was about a third of his life. He was charged for inciting or encouraging other colored people to fight against the apartheid, he also left South Africa illegally. Mandela gets this trait because he was patient enough to wait his time in prison and show the world that he is a good person.

7. Nelson Mandela Mandela for almost his entire life has dreamed of racial equality and world peace. He also has never given up. That’s how he got the trait determined. Nelson Mandela was determined to have freedom and peace of all-races. He joined the ANC, a group that works for racial equality. Nelson put his life in danger everyday for fighting against the apartheid and protesting. He was arrested a few times and even put in prison. But when he got out of prison after 3 decades, he had amazed the world, because of his determination.

8. I used this picture for the Mandela Medal because all Nelson Mandela ever wanted was racial equality. The reason why it has to do with racial equality is because as the picture shows, a black and white are shaking hands and this shows how the world can be peaceful if two different races can just agree and be happy together and that’s what Nelson Mandela ever wanted.

9. Favorite room or place

10. Blueberry, Lemon, Chocolate Chip, Banana and more, these delightful muffins you will adore! 75¢ FREE! Like Nelson you are free!....To eat eat freedom fries whenever you please. Nelson Noodles are best! Get ready for the noodle-fest! 5 rolls for $4.50 You will see several different combinations of meat, vegetables, and spices used……In these delicious rolls that you will not refuse! $13 This light baked South African cake, you will be begging for us to make! $8 Take a piece! For world peace! Also on of Mandela’s favorites, when you take a bite remember to savor it! Whole Pizza - $18 1 slice - $3 Toppings - 75 ¢

11. Ooooooh Wooooooh, Ooooooh Wooooooh Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition, Celebration, it surround us, every nations, all around us Singing forever young, singing songs underneath that sun Lets rejoice in the beautiful game, And together at the end of the day. We all say When I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag When I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag ooohhh, Oooooooooh wooooohh, Oooooooooh wooooohh Give you freedom, give you fire, give you reason, take you higher See the champions, take the field now, unify us, make us feel proud In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition, Celebration, its around us, every nations, all around us Singing forever young, singing songs underneath that sun Lets rejoice in the beautiful game, And together at the end of the day. We all sayWhen I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag When I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag Now wave your flag (4x) Oohhoooohh Woooh Ohohooooh Wooohoooh We all say When I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag When I get older I will be stronger They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag Now wave your flag (4x) Oooooh woowoo ooh Wooo ooohh ooohoh And everybody will be singing it Oooooh woowoo ooh Wooo ooohh ooohoh And we all will be singing it