Nelson Mandela & Malcolm X

Escola Básica e Secundária de Mora
Set 2 - Multicultural Interactions

2.4 Voices for Human Rights
There are those who, through thought and action, have made a difference and changed
our world. Among them I have two examples, each a powerful and effective defender and each
an inspiration to all who today dedicate themselves to the cause of universal rights, that are:
Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X

 Nelson Mandela
 Biography
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5
December 2013) was a South African politician and activist.
He was born in Mvezo, South Africa to a Thembu royal
family. In total, he had three wives and six children. On April
27, 1994, he was made the first President of South Africa
elected in a fully represented democratic election.
Mandela was also the first black President of his country,
South Africa. His government focused on throwing out the
legacy of apartheid by ending racism, poverty, inequality,
and on improving racial understanding in South Africa.
Politically a believer in socialism, he served as the President
of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997
and adopted new Constitution of South African in 1996 that
prohibits all discrimination, based on language, religion, handicap and sexual orientation, not only
on racism. Internationally, Mandela was the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement
from 1998 to 1999. Mandela was sick for several years during his retirement. He was hospitalized
in late summer of 2013 from a continuous lung infection. Mandela died on 5 December 2013 in
Houghton Estate, Johannesburg from a respiratory infection. He was 95 years old.
 How Did He Make The World A Better Place?

Answer: The anti-apartheid activity. In 1944, Mandela helped start the African National
Congress Youth League. He was soon a high-ranked leader of the group. He wanted to free South
Africa without violence, but the government started killing and hurting protesters. He then started
Umkhonto we Sizwe with Walter Sisulu and other people in the African National Congress that he
admired, such as Mahatma Gandhi. A trial was later held and became known as the Rivonia Trial.
Mandela was on trial because of his involvement in sabotage and violence in 1962. He was
sentenced to life in prison, and was sent to Robben Island, but was transferred to Victor Verster
Prison in 1988. In 1990, he was let out of Victor Verster Prison after 26.5 years. He left prison after
de Klerk removed a ban on the African National Congress. He ordered Mandela's release. After
prison, Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa and served as the President
of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997 and adopted new Constitution of South
African in 1996 that prohibits all discrimination, based on language, religion, handicap and sexual
orientation, not only on racism. Internationally, Mandela was the Secretary General of the Non-
Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.
CARLOS FRAGOSO 12ºA Nº1 1

Escola Básica e Secundária de Mora
 Historical Facts
Mandela received more than 250 honors, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US
Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Soviet Order of Lenin. He is often referred to by his Xhosa
clan name, Madiba, or as Tata ("Father"). Mandela was described as a hero, and his actions gave
thousands of people hope.
 Malcolm X
 Biography
Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) was
an African American nationalist and civil rights activist. Before
he became Malcolm X, his original name was Malcolm Stuart
Little. His parents taught him to be proud of being black in an
openly anti-black society. In 1946, Little was put in prison for
burglary and discovered the Nation of Islam while he was
there. Malcolm X had six children with Betty Shabazz. He had
six grandchildren. He also has two great grandchildren.
Malcolm Shabazz was shot dead in New York City in May 2013
after preaching about black rights. Three members of the
Nation of Islam had a part in his murder.
 How Did He Make The World A Better Place?

At first, Malcolm X's actions and speeches were mostly inspired by the beliefs and
teachings of the Nation of Islam. He taught that all white people were bad. Once he learned that
the leader of the Nation of Islam was in relationships with many women, he quit the group and
changed his religion to Sunni Islam. He went on a pilgrimage to see the Islamic holy city of Mecca
in Saudi Arabia. At this point, his opinions of white people got better, and he began to believe
that white people could be good people, too. Malcolm X believed that black people should fight
for their civil rights in any way they could, even if they had to become violent. He also thought
that black people should support one another by shopping in stores owned by black people. He
was critical of the civil rights movement.
Both tried their best so the world would allow all people to have the same rights.
In some way they did it. They have changed the view of some people about the
right of gender equality. Although they did not quite succeed completely in their
mission, they made a good change in people by changing their thought.
CARLOS FRAGOSO 12ºA Nº1 2

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Escola Básica e Secundária de Mora

Set 2 - Multicultural Interactions

Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X

 How Did He Make The World A Better Place?

CARLOS FRAGOSO 12ºA Nº1 1

 How Did He Make The World A Better Place?

CARLOS FRAGOSO 12ºA Nº1 2

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