How to Fight Oppression Like Nelson Mandela

Although Nelson Mandela was born into a royal family in 1918 in South Africa his life was anything but privileged. Nelson believed in equality for all persons and emerged as a leader against apartheid in the country, serving 27 years in prison for his actions. After helping to abolish apartheid, Nelson rose to become South Africa's first black president. Follow these suggestions to fight oppression like Nelson Mandela.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Gain knowledge and educate yourself about the world around you. Nelson once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson studied law when younger, and surrounded himself with literature while in prison.
2. Study the philosophy of Gandhi. Nelson Mandela was influenced by the peaceful resistance beliefs of Gandhi who himself spent many years living in South Africa. Nelson's commitment to violence free resistance earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
3. Involve yourself in politics. Nelson joined and later became president of the African National Council an organization advocating increased rights for blacks in South Africa. Nelson participated in protest, boycotts and public events in support of the ANC.
4. Spread the message of freedom for all. Nelson set himself apart from many leaders against oppression by emphasizing freedom for people of all races, colors, genders and faiths.
5. Take action. Nelson traveled to different countries and used the media to make speeches and spread the message that apartheid was wrong.
6. Forgive your oppressors and look toward the future. After his release from prison, Nelson worked hard to establish a multi-racial democracy for South Africa and was elected the new governments first president.

Tips & Warnings

• Read "Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela" to understand his fight against oppression.