“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
July, an important month with various dates to be remembered. Last week we talked about the celebrations dedicated to the liberation of the city, seat of the Bolivian Government. This week we are talking about another important date that reminds us of a great man who gave his all to defend human rights.
The phrase on the cover was said by Nelson Mandela “ Madiba”. The nickname Madiba was his name within the tribe to which he belonged, the Xhosa ethnic group.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 1918 - 2013 was a South African politician and activist, president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Antagonist, with the predecessor Frederik de Klerk, of the Apartheid, the racial segregation policy established in 1948 by the ethnic white government of South Africa, and which remained in force until 1991.
It was also applied by the South African government to Namibia, which was administered by South Africa until 1990. Apartheid was declared an international crime by a United Nations convention, voted by the General Assembly in 1973 and entered into force in 1976 (International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid), and then subsequently included in the list of crimes against humanity. By extension, the term is now used to mark any form of civil and political segregation against minorities by the government of a sovereign state, based on ethnic and social prejudices.
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, Mandela was the first non-white South African president to hold this office; a civil rights activist and lawyer, he served 27 years in prison for his work in the fight against segregationism.
After his release, Nelson Mandela continued addressing racial issues in his country and supported reconciliation initiatives.
And now it is time to remember all the efforts this man has made during his memorable life.
Since 2009, every year on July 18, the Nelson Mandela international day is celebrated, an international day officially established by the United Nations, because July 18, 1918, was born the one who is universally recognized as a symbol of justice, tenacity and courage. Nelson Madiba Mandela, this is his full name - because he received from the elders of his South African tribe the honorary title of "Madiba" - is a man who has changed not only his country but the whole world, with his actions and his example.
The decision of the United Nations was born with the hope that the example of the African president and Nobel prize-winner could be imitated and implemented for at least one day a year, in every corner of the world: every person should know that wanting, he has the power to change the world with his good deeds; if each of us were to help others, as Mandela did in his 67 years of life, the actions of solidarity and peace could become global. This is the goal of the UN.
Mandela has inherited values that are inalienable and indispensable to the human being, such as the defense of life and personal dignity, the defense of peace, the rejection of racism and oppression. At the age of 22, Mandela chose to fight personally for liberation from the regime, becoming one of the best known anti-apartheid activists in South Africa. After escaping from his village, he decided to study law in Johannesburg and soon joined the African national congress (Anc). For spending his life rebelling against the regime and injustices against black Africans, he was imprisoned in 1964 in prison 466, on the island of Robben, and was released from prison only in 1990. With his conduct and struggles, he led South Africa's transition to a multiracial democracy and in 1993 won the Nobel Peace Prize, along with former South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk. Mandela, always at the forefront of the repression of the white regime against blacks, was elected president of South Africa in 1994, in-office until 1999 and was also the father of four children, of whom he lost three because of AIDS, a disease against which he has struggled all his life. Mandela Day's initiatives also include the "46664" campaign, referring to Robben Island's prison number (and year of imprisonment), a campaign initially launched to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS but also to remember a man's effort against racism.
Organizations and associations from around the world participate in the many activities organized specifically for the Nelson Mandela Day, to honor his work and to promote humanitarian projects, specially dedicated to raising funds and donations to act together against poverty. Of course there are also initiatives and tributes dedicated to Mandela, such as the statue in Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, South Africa or the bridge of the same name, also in Johannesburg or the stamps dedicated to him, concerts and many other initiatives will take place Thursday, July 18 worldwide to commemorate "Madiba" who would have celebrated his 101 years on this date.
These activities include volunteering, sport, art, education, music and culture.
The idea of Mandela Day was inspired by Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in 2008 when he said:
“It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.”
The United Nations officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, recognizing Mandela’s “values and his dedication to the service of humanity” and acknowledging his contribution “to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world”.
The celebration of Mandela Day aims to serve as a global call to action for people to “recognize their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better”, says the Nelson Mandela Foundation. This year’s theme is “Action Against Poverty”, encouraging us to get together and actively work to help those in need
67 minutes for Mandela
This campaign was launched to encourage people around the world to devote 67 minutes of their lives to actions that can help others.
But why exactly 67 minutes?
Here is the explanation: “Nelson Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years, beginning in 1942 when he first started to campaign for the human rights of every South African. His life has been an inspiration to the world,” Nelson Mandela’s foundation said.
By devoting 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service – people can make a small gesture of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.
Also during the day of July 18, beyondBeanie will work and be present in the life of our craftswomen who will work at least 67 minutes to give their contribution to our organization that works daily to create a better world and an easier life dedicating itself to people who need it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE !!!
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