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5 Lessons Nelson Mandela Taught Us About Fighting for Justice

July 17, 2020
Inspiration

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice in South Africa, and today, his legacy lives on not only in his country, but across the entire world. The inspiring lessons about passion, courage, and leadership that he left behind are especially relevant in the world we’re living in right now.

Though best known for his struggle to end the racist apartheid system in South Africa, Mandela fought tirelessly throughout his life on the broader issue of equality for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Toward the end of his life, Mandela became a devoted and effective advocate for HIV-positive South Africans. His groundbreaking speech at the International AIDS Conference in Durban in July 2000 set a new agenda for the future of the HIV/AIDS fight. At that time, South Africa had more than 4 million people living with HIV–making it the most affected country in the world.

(RED) was founded on the principle of equality and the idea that where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live. Our fight to ensure that the world’s most vulnerable communities have access to strong healthcare systems isn’t about charity, it’s about justice.

In honor of Nelson Mandela Day, here are just a few of the infinite lessons the brilliant leader taught the world about fighting for justice:

  1. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
  1. “When the water starts boiling, it is foolish to turn off the heat.”
  1. “It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.”
  1. “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
  1. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

Thank you, Nelson Mandela, for inspiring us in our fight for equality.