evidence: South Africa’s first Black president and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, was born on this day in 1918. Nelson Mandela Day celebrates the life and values of a global icon, a man who spent his life championing the cause of personal liberty, preaching equality, and advocating the power we have in our shared humanity. [...] Even though the world has had some great men and women, very few have had as much of an impact on history as Mandela has. Fondly remembered as an international symbol of freedom, peace and equality even after death, Mandela continues to influence the world with his great and timeless words of wisdom.