Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela International Day History

Nelson Mandela International Day is observed to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and global advocate for human rights. The day serves as a reminder of Mandela's values and principles, including forgiveness, reconciliation, and courage, and encourages individuals and communities to take action and make a positive difference in the world.

In Canada, Nelson Mandela International Day is recognized and celebrated by various organizations, communities, and individuals who are committed to promoting social justice and equity. Canada has a unique connection to Mandela, as he visited the country several times during his life and was warmly embraced by Canadians for his dedication to freedom and equality.

The celebrations of Nelson Mandela International Day in Canada include various activities such as community service projects, fundraising events, cultural festivals, and educational programs. These activities aim to raise awareness and support for social causes such as poverty, education, health, and human rights. The history of Nelson Mandela International Day dates back to 2009 when the United Nations General Assembly declared the day to commemorate Mandela's birthday. The day has since then been celebrated globally as a symbol of hope, dignity, and humanity, and a call to action for a better world. Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on July 18th.

Facts about Nelson Mandela Day

• Nelson Mandela had six children.
• Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and ended up spending over 27 years in prison. He was eventually released from prison due to secret talks he had with the president of South Africa at the time, F.W. de Klerk.
• In 2001, Nelson Mandela was made an honorary Canadian citizen by the Canadian government. Mandela is only the second person in history (after Raoul Wallenberg) to receive this honor.
• In 2015, a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled in Ottawa, outside the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, as a symbol of his fight for freedom and the strong connection he had with Canada.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Nelson Mandela Day

Top things to do in Canada for Nelson Mandela Day

• Devote 67 minutes of your day to helping others (volunteering, helping mom, cleaning, etc.). For 67 years, Nelson Mandela fought for humanity and on every July 18th, Mandela's birthday, the UN and the NMF ask citizens of the world to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others.
• Nominate someone or an organization that you think serves every day. If you think they make a positive change in your community you can nominate those you think deserve acknowledgement as a Madiba Change Maker by sharing their stories on social media with the hashtag #Time2Serve.
• Watch Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). This biographical film is based on Nelson Mandela's autobiography and stars Idris Elba as Mandela, chronicling his life from childhood to the presidency.
• Read The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela edited by Sahm Venter. This book contains 255 letters written by Mandela during his time in prison, which offer a deeper understanding of his thoughts and struggles.