Nelson MandelaHuman history has been marked by long and painful struggles for human rights and freedoms. Racial discrimination and oppression have always been one of humanity's most controversial struggles. For South Africa, it was a country where black people were oppressed by the white minority. The colonization of South Africa began in the 18th century by the Dutch Empire after Dutch trading companies began using its cape as a trading center between Asia and Europe (sahistory.org.za). Soon after, the British took control of the country and declared it part of the British Empire (sahistory.org.za). Decades later, Afrikaners, descendants of the first Dutch settlers who occupied South Africa, began working to create a state separating blacks from whites. Their plans were to create separation between blacks and whites, which included excluding blacks from all types of social, economic, and political activities within the country. All indigenous South Africans knew the poor conditions their people were forced to live in, but only a few of them took the responsibility to sacrifice their lives and freedom for the rights of their people. A South African citizen, Nelson Mandela, can be considered the main hero of the South African revolution for freedom and the hero of millions of people fighting for their freedoms around the world. Mandela's Long Walk for Freedom defined South African history and went down in world history as one of the world's most influential fights for freedom and human rights. Rolihlahla Madiba Dalibhunga Mandela, later known as Nelson Mandel, was born in the rural village of Mvezo, located in the Transkei District, on July 18, 1918 (Scott 7). Its original name,...... middle of paper ......ber- which focused on raising money for the poor and AIDS victims (Member 124). His battles with AIDS became a personal battle when he lost his son to AIDS in 2005. After spending more than a quarter of his life in prison fighting for the freedom and rights of his people, Nelson Mandela died of a respiratory infection at the age of 18. 95 of December 5, 2013 (nelsonmandela.org). In conclusion, Mandela's fight for freedom and equality among people of different races was very important in showing the world that discrimination is unacceptable. His hard work and patience during his harrowing stay in prison was the perfect example of what a freedom fighter would do for his people and their rights. Nelson believed that power should be given to the people so that they would have the strength to protect their rights and freedoms against discrimination and unfair treatment..