This is an OZY Special Briefing, an extension of the Presidential Daily Brief. The Special Briefing tells you what you need to know about an important issue, individual or story that is making news. Each one serves up an interesting selection of facts, opinions, images and videos in order to catch you up and vault you ahead. WHAT TO KNOW What happened? Nelson Mandela International Day, declared by the United Nations in 2009, has become an occasion to reflect upon the South African leader’s life and legacy and follow his example to make the world a better place. Celebrated each year on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, this year’s Mandela Day is particularly significant because it marks 100 years since the birth of the global icon, who died in 2013 at the age of 95. Why does it matter? One of the 20th century’s most influential freedom fighters, Mandela emerged from nearly three decades in prison to become South Africa’s first Black president and help his country transition to a post-apartheid regime. While the Nobel Peace Prize winner achieved prominence for defeating White minority rule in South Africa, Mandela also pursued a variety of other social causes. Among them: pushing for women’s rights, delivering better opportunities for impoverished rural children and promoting scientific research throughout Africa — on top of serving as a symbol for civil rights movements worldwide. |