On 11 November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July – Nelson Mandela's birthday – as International Nelson Mandela Day, to celebrate the legacy of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President. The adoption of this resolution is a significant historical moment. It is the first time that the UN has designated an international day in honor of one person.
Success of 46664 - 90th Birthday Concert
Following the success of 46664’s – 90th Birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in June 2008, it was decided that there could be nothing more fitting than to celebrate Madiba’s (Nelson Mandela's Xhosa clan name) birthday each year with a day dedicated to his life’s work and that of his charitable organizations .
46664 Campaign
Drawing its numeric title from Nelson Mandela's Robben Island prison number (prisoner 466/imprisoned in 1964), 46664 was founded in 2002 when Mr. Mandela gave over the number under which he served 17 of his 27 years incarceration
To date, the 46664 campaign has raised millions of dollars applied to supporting projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa where current needs are deemed greatest, particularly in assisting those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
If the 46664 Concert in London represented the transition then Mandela Day, New York, July 18, 2009 represented the beginning of the realization.
Mandela Day Message - 67 Minutes
The Mandela Day campaign message is simple: Nelson Mandela has given 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. All it is asking is that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting their chosen charity or serving their local community. The message for Mandela Day is is for all people to recalibrate their value systems; to take a look around them and to do good.
International Nelson Mandela Day is not only for South Africans, it is a global social movement that does not discriminate. This day, dedicated to Madiba and his service to humanity is open and lets in and embraces every organization that does good. It also provides ordinary people with the opportunity to serve their community and improve their lives.
Mandela Day is not a holiday. It is not a day to kick back and relax, it is a normal working day, but a day that each and every man, woman and child needs to connect with their community and show that they can all make an impact
Madiba turns 92
This year on Mandela Day, July 18, South Africa's beloved Tata Madiba (grandfather Madiba) celebrates his 92nd birthday. Once again, with his smile and his presence, he will sound the call to action for all South Africans to lead the way in the world and to make a difference in the places in which they live and work.
Sources:
Nelson Mandela Foundation - Events for July 2010 for Nelson Mandela Day
Karen Lotter - Karen Lotter is a journalist and writer based in Durban, South Africa. She has written profiles, features, advertising copy, ...
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