Few men in history have stood up and sacrificed so much for what they believe in; going so far as to changing the course of an entire country. Nelson Mandela, born July 18, 1918 is definitely one such man.

Mandela studied law and became one of South Africa’s first black lawyers. He was leader of the youth wing of the African National Congress (ANC). When the country’s white government prohibited the ANC in 1960, Mandela organized a military underground movement. In 1962 he was arrested for high treason and conspiracy against the state.

“Long walk to freedom,” Mandela said in his biography. He spent over 27 years in prison in order to achieve his goal. In February 1990, president Frederik Willem de Klerk freed him and on April 27, 1994 the first democratic elections were held in South Africa, with citizens of all races being able to vote for the first time.

Apartheid in South Africa started in 1948, non-european’s rights were not only revoked, they couldn’t even sit on a bench that was labeled “blankes” or “europeans”. Places like the zoo had a separate entrance for black South Africans and buses had signs indicating which were for what race. The government was all-white as well.

While this may sound strange and even ridiculous; it is important to note that South Africa did away with apartheid just 23 years ago in 1990. Many Africans didn’t have a voice because of their skin color, Nelson Mandela was that voice; instead of giving up when the government banned the ANC he turned to outrageous acts, such as organizing groups to over-throw it, and was imprisoned, but before that, he gave a speech in court saying he would die for his cause if necessary, that earned him respect and many supporters that campaigned against apartheid while he was in prison.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.

“It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not, ” Mandela said in an acceptance speech when he received the Freedom of the City of Durban, an  honor given by the municipality to a valued member of the community, a visiting celebrity or dignitary.

Throughout his life he received more than 250 awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Many foundations were formed in his name. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund supports children in South Africa, The Nelson Mandela Foundation is an organization aiming to provide a fair society based on Mandela’s vision. Along with that he has also been in the forefront in the effort against AIDS, for Nelson Mandela AIDS was another war that can still be won.

Although, his achievements are more than remarkable, he managed to stay humble, honest, focused, and true to himself and his country as long as he lived.

Nelson Mandela died Dec. 5.