Mandela, a political prisoner in South Africa since Aug. 5, 1962, rejected a deal on Feb. 10, 1985 that would have given him a release.
He instead waited and kept encouraging others to work against apartheid. Today marks the 26th year since his release from prison after more than 27 years of incarceration. Mandela emerged from prison, became a world leader and a voice that spoke in favor of togetherness and acceptance for all.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion,” Mandela said.