Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. led shockingly similar lives for the distance apart they
lived. They were both strong black leaders that promoted non-violence and
fought against racism in two different continents, helping to bring people of
all races together. Both King and Mandela received a formal education in their
early lives, and pursued interests in politics. They were known for organizing
peaceful protests to fight for their cause—Mandela against apartheid, and King
fighting against segregation and for civil rights.
Both men were imprisoned for some time, although Mandela’s
sentence lasted much longer than King’s. Mandela served as the first black president of
South Africa, while King was never elected into an official position, as he was
tragically assassinated at age 39—Mandela lived a long life of 95 years. Nelson
Mandela was therefore able to experience and live out his goal of the end of
apartheid, while King deceased before seeing his dream become a reality.
Both Mandela
and King have several quotes that serve to embody their spirit and goals of
peace and equality. One quote that I feel accurately represents both leaders
was said by Nelson Mandela in 1994:"No one is born hating another person
because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must
learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for
love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." This
quote truly reflects both leaders’ strife for equality and love across all
races and backgrounds, and hearkens to King’s famous “I have a Dream” speech.
I really liked the quote you used. They both were leaders that believed racism could be concurred. They promoted love for all people despite the color of skin. It is crazy how similar their unique history was with one another.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the quote you used. They both were leaders that believed racism could be concurred. They promoted love for all people despite the color of skin. It is crazy how similar their unique history was with one another.
ReplyDeleteThat is a powerful quote made by Nelson about no one is born to hate another person. It makes me stop to think if this is true and if we can all be taught to love. What would that do for society?
ReplyDeleteFirst, your page is so cute! I love it. Second, I agree both men led similar lives. I think that reflects that the struggles across the diaspora were similar and needed similar tactics to lead to freedom.
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