Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African revolutionist and leader. Mandela was South Africa’s first ever black president from 1994-1999. Before Mandela was president he was a well-known revolutionary who rallied people against the racism that was instilled into South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for fighting against this racism and refused to be released when being released meant admitting defeat. Mandela stated he would rather die than give up his ideals. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.