Who Was Nelson Mandela? by Pam Pollack

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings the courageous man – Nelson Mandela – whose African name meant “tree shaker” and that’s what he did when he fought for equal justice for all.

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918. His real name was Rolihlahla. At the time, South Africa was ruled by the British, who took all the rights of African people. Nelson attended school run by Christian missionaries from Europe. It was the teacher at school that gave him a Western name – Nelson Mandela.

At school, he learned English, history and geography, but he learned the most at tribal elders’ meetings. He dreamed of becoming a leader like his foster father. 

His education continued at Fort Hare College where he got new ideas how to govern his country. In Johannesburg, with his law degree, he became active in different organizations, but in 1948 a new system was incorporated – apartheid. 

Nelson led many protests and became known as a protest leader. He led many campaigns. They were all peaceful demonstrations. They never reacted with anger. 

After five months in prison, he realized that their peaceful protests were met with aggression and innocent people died. He changed his tactics. Armed resistance was formed. But someone betrayed him and he was sentenced to life in prison.

The hard labor and deplorable conditions of the prison never broke his spirit. He continued to study law and history when he was allowed access to books, and encouraged other prisoners to study and learn.

The US and other countries took notice of the unjust system put by white South Africans. They put pressure on South African government to release Mandela from prison. Because businesses left South Africa, it made hard for them to survive. 

The new president of South Africa released the prisoners, including Mandela. On February 11, 1990 Mandela stepped out of prison. He was seventy-one. He spent twenty-seven years in prison. Many hoped that he wouldn’t have strength to continue with his work, but he did. 

On May 10, 1991, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa.

This biography shines light on an inspiring man who stood by what he strongly believed in even if that meant risking his life. 

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-11, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.

 

Published in 2013 by Penguin Workshop

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Stand Up For Justice

 

Traits:

 

·         While obtaining formal education, he enjoyed his tribe’s meetings the most where he gained the knowledge that resonated with him the most. – At early age, with his natural instinct, he found his tribe

·         He found his dream of becoming a leader at early age and stayed on this path which always felt right for him. It was a path that would not only benefit him but also the humanity. Something that had a bigger purpose than just himself

·         He became active in community services whenever opportunity arose

·         Even in hard times, he stood by what he believed in which was not easy

 

 

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela