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Zachary Voss March 11, 2014 Research Paper Nelson Mandela was a man before his time who fought for others’ rights, believing that all people should be treated equally. He grew up seeing injustice throughout the country he lived in and dedicated his life to making sure people received the rights deserved. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Mueso Transkei, South Africa and lived along the banks of the Mbashe River. He was given Rolihlahla as his birth name which meant â€Å"trouble maker†. His father was Chief Gadla Henry Mphakayisa until he lost his chieftainship when he failed to appear before the local British judge. This was the first example that the chief was not going to be governed by the laws of England. As a result the family lost everything, became poor and so Nelson and his mother, Nosekeni Fanny, had to move to a different village. Mandela was nine years old when his father died of tuberculosis. Fortunately, Chief Jongintab Dalindyebo became his guardian, helping to raise him with his own children. Growing up Nelson occupied his time with riding horses, shooting birds with slingshots, dancing, singing, reading and herding sheep. Nelson became the first in his family to go to school in 1925. It was his teacher who actually gave him his English name, â€Å"Nelson†. At the age of sixteen he attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute, a mission school, where he completed his junior certification in two years instead of three. In 1936 at the age of nineteen, he left to study British History at Healdtown Methodist Boarding School, a high school. Over 1,000 students attended, both white black, but all remained separated. In his last year at Healdtown, a poet, Krune Mqhayi, visited the school and his words were memorable to Ma... ...ambda Legov. In December 1996, Mandela publicized a constitution that contained clear protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. As a result Mandela appointed a gay judge to South Africa’s High Court of Appeal – Justice Edwin Cameron. As a result of his accomplishments, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, the Jawaharlal Nehru Award in 1980, and became an inspiration to millions across the world. Nelson Mandela was a courageous and heroic person who was an inspiration to many. Although Mandela had a difficult childhood, he went on to attend college and became knowledgeable in politics and law. Mandela saw how the people of Africa struggled for their freedom and their rights, and became an activist in the fight for their independence. He will forever be known for his equality, justice and promoting peace among all people.