A man who brought peace and love to millions

Phoebe Simcock, 18th Jul 2021
Tags: Life Blog

Another week of our inspirational people series brings another amazing character, and this one is like no other.

Sunday the 18th of July is Black Leaders Awareness Day and this day hopes to “enable people from all cultures to experience the wisdom of past, current, and next-generation leaders through the speeches, quotes, and videos they or others share”.  They hope to celebrate black leaders of all ages, celebrating the unknown names as well as the famous figures.

We intend to celebrate this day too, so let’s start with remembering one of the most famous Black Leaders of all time, and the reason that Black Leaders Awareness Day is celebrated on the day that it is.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born on the 18th of July 1918, was a South African political leader who struggled for leadership and freedom because of his background. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years because of his activism and his intention to free his country from racial division. Despite his imprisonment and the treatment he faced, he stuck by his beliefs and never lost his faith.

Everyone should have equal opportunities.

He believed that everyone should have equal opportunities and, according to Christianity today, he said “The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!”

He believed that everyone had the ability to create change and remembrance over revenge was the best way to learn from mistakes. If we remember the wrongs of the past, hopefully they won’t be repeated.

The Nelson Mandela foundation was founded in 1999 and intend to keep his legacy by helping to bring freedom and equality to all. They find sustainable solutions to the problems confronting humanity and use Mandela’s practices and wisdom to spread these beliefs.

Encourage others to talk through problems.

They are in hope that these positive beliefs will encourage others to talk through problems and handle altercations with others differently to avoid further disturbances to world peace.

The foundation comment that, “Nelson Mandela followed three rules throughout his life, which he did at great personal sacrifice: Free yourself. Free others. Serve every day. It was not just his mantra; it was his way of life”.

If we follow Mandela’s example and encourage people to devote their lives to peace, justice, and reconciliation, we can demonstrate than strength will overcome strife. From this, our experiences with others will be filled with understanding and acceptance, which could mean a happier world for all.

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

The Inspiring Journal pointed out one of Mandela’s quotes, and it’s definitely something I’m going to remember in my future choices, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”.

How will you demonstrate a good head and a good heart today?