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Mandela Day 2009: It's in your hands now

Tomorrow, July 18th, you can join the global community to celebrate Mandela Day. It’s 91st birthday of Nelson Mandela; a man who dedicated his life to taking action and standing up for what he believes in.

Mandela is the former president of South Africa, and was jailed for 27 years by the apartheid government in South Africa. After his release, he went on to end 46 years of legal segregation of blacks and whites in South Africa.

Apartheid was a system of segregation put into law by the all-white National Party, and it oppressed the black majority in South Africa.

The main goal of Mandela day is “to make an imprint" like Mandela did; to take action to change the world. Mandela’s end result was huge, but he was all about taking small steps towards change in his community. At the worldwide celebration of his 90th birthday, he told the world he did his part, “it’s in your hands now.” What will you do?

Want to know more about Nelson Mandela and apartheid in South Africa? Read on for a glimpse at his life.

And, find out what you can do to celebrate Mandela Day tomorrow:

Tomorrow’s magic number is 67. Mandela spent 67 years of his life serving his fellow South Africans. Tomorrow, give 67 minutes to someone else. What will you do for 67 minutes tomorrow? Read book to little kids? Hang out with your elderly neighbor? Clean up a local stream? Tell us, comment below.
Not sure what to do? Find out here. Or text Do Something to 38383.
If you want to plan your own Mandela Day event, share your pics and videos of your event.
Make your own Mandela Day video.