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Nelson Mandela International Day

Honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela on International Day - take action to make the world a better place through kindness, respect and compassion!
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Appreciation
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When it is?
July 18
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Country
International
Introduction

Celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18! This day was created in 2009 to honor the former South African president and human rights activist. It's a chance for people from all over the world to come together to make a positive change by contributing 67 minutes of their time helping others as part of Mandela’s 1967 “I am Prepared To Die” speech.

History of Nelson Mandela International Day

Nelson Mandela International Day Dates

Nelson Mandela International Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nelson Mandela's Birth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, in Mvezo, South Africa, the date which would later become Nelson Mandela International Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"I am Prepared To Die" Speech</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mandela delivered his infamous "I am Prepared to Die" speech during the Rivonia Trial, showing his dedication to the anti-apartheid cause.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mandela's Release</div><div class='timeline-text'>After 27 years of incarceration for his fight against apartheid, Nelson Mandela was released from prison on February 11th.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nobel Peace Prize Winner</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mandela is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside South African President F.W. de Klerk for their joint work in ending apartheid.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Black President</div><div class='timeline-text'>In South Africa's first multiracial elections, Mandela becomes the country's first black president, marking the end of apartheid.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Nelson Mandela Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day, honoring his contributions and values.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer your time</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteering your time is one of the best ways to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day. Find a local charity or organization that works to make a positive change in the community and see how you can help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donating money to a cause that Nelson Mandela supported is another great way to pay tribute. Research charities and organizations that you are passionate about and make a donation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser for an organization that reflects Nelson Mandela's values. Involve your friends, family and neighbors and raise money for a worthy cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read his autobiography</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom. This will give you an insight into his life and struggles, as well as his courage and dedication.</p></div></div>

Why Nelson Mandela International Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors Nelson Mandela's legacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity to honor the memory of one of the most influential people in history. Mandela was a leader, a peacemaker, and an inspiration to people all over the world. By celebrating this day, we are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right and striving for justice and fairness everywhere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights important causes</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mandela dedicated his life to creating a better world and tackling issues such as poverty, racism, and Apartheid in South Africa. Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day encourages us to take action and fight for these same causes. It is also a chance to recognize the work of organizations that are making positive changes in the world around us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It inspires people everywhere</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Nelson Mandela International Day, we pay tribute to Mandela's passion for justice and compassion. His example provides hope for a brighter future where barriers can be broken down and peace is within reach. This day is meant to inspire us not just to think differently but act differently—so that together we can make the world a better place.</p></div></div>

5 Enlightening Facts for Mandela International Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nelson Mandela’s birth name was Rolihlahla</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rolihlahla, in the Xhosa language, colloquially translated means "Troublemaker." Later on, his school teacher gave him the English name Nelson.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He had a cameo role in a Spike Lee movie</h3><p class='facts-content'>Nelson Mandela made a surprise appearance at the end of Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic about Malcolm X.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He received honorary degrees from over 50 universities worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Universities globally acknowledged Mandela’s contributions to the promotion of human rights and democracy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He was adopted by a Thembu Regent</h3><p class='facts-content'>After his father’s death, Nelson Mandela was adopted by Jongintaba Dalindyebo, a Thembu chief. His new family gave him access to better educational opportunities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mandela was known as the "Black Pimpernel"</h3><p class='facts-content'>During his days on the run from apartheid police in the early 1960s, Mandela was known as the “Black Pimpernel,” derived from the character 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' from a popular novel.</p></div></div>

Nelson Mandela International Day FAQs

When is Nelson Mandela International Day?

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on July 18 every year. In 2024 Nelson Mandela International Day will occur on a Thursday.

Nelson Mandela International Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jul 18

Tuesday

2024

Jul 18

Thursday

2025

Jul 18

Friday

2026

Jul 18

Saturday

2027

Jul 18

Sunday

Appreciation Holidays