Nelson Mandela Dead at 95

Former South African president and champion for racial equality, peace and justice Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95.  He was in and out of the hospital battling lung infections.

Mandela is known for his fight against apartheid in South Africa and for his promotion of social justice.  May God rest his soul.

*I will update this post as more information comes in.  

Eternal rest grant to him, and perpetual light shine upon him.  May Nelson Mandela rest in peace.  Amen

*UPDATE 12/10/13.

Nelson Mandela is being praised throughout the world as a great leader, a leader who sought justice for all.  Unfortunately, his zeal did not reach our youngest and most vulnerable members of the human race; the unborn.  Mandela signed into law the "Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Bill" in 1996 which allowed abortion.  Bishop Tobin of the diocese of lauded Mandela for his public service, but called shameful his promotion of abortion.

Nelson Mandela, born Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo, Transkei on July 18, 1918 to parents Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela would start out with humble beginnings.  His father passed away when he was only a child. Mandela would listen to the stories of his ancestors and how they fought in wars of resistance.  This imagery would stay with him for life for he too aspired to do something significant in his nation in regards to freeing his people.

He began his education at a school in Qunu and was taught by Miss Mdingane who gave him the name 'Nelson.' This was done to children at the time in order to give them Christian identity.  After completing a diploma at the Clarkebury Boarding Institute, he enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare but was expelled for being involved in student protests.  However, he did earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the University of South Africa.

He would pursue a LLB degree at the University of Witwatersrand and the University of London, but did not finish his studies.  It wasn't until he was imprisioned in 1989 that he earned an LLB from the University of South Africa.  In 1952 he practiced law with Oliver Tambo and founded the first black law firm, Mandela and Tambo.  He was eventually arrested and served 27  years for his involvement in the liberation movement against apartheid.  He was later released and on May 10, 1994 became the first black president of South Africa.  






Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/mandela-was-just-a-man--and-that-made-what-he-did-extraordinary-214037514.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-nelson-mandela-dead-20131205,0,6266118.story

http://ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=127310

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20131210-r.i.-catholic-bishop-tobin-praises-mandela-but-denounces-his-stance-on-abortion.ece