Nelson Mandela International Day
July 18 · Level 7 · #785 of 2238
Nelson Mandela International Day honors his work against racial discrimination and his commitment to dignity and reconciliation. Established by the United Nations on his birthday, it encourages people to make a practical contribution to their communities.
How it is celebrated: volunteers help neighbors, support charities and take part in community projects. A familiar invitation is to give 67 minutes of service, recognizing Mandela's 67 years of public service.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison before later becoming South Africa's first Black president. That extraordinary journey helps explain the day's emphasis on reconciliation.