His name conjures images of strength and steady patience , freedom over oppression and all the while still manages to seem like a kindly old grandfather figure. Limité honors Nelson Mandela, former political prisoner under apartheid, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and first President under a free South Africa, as a Man We Love. We love Mandela not only for surviving 27 years in jail and for his service to South Africans. We love him for his unending commitment to his people. Unlike many presidents, Mandela fought for the common man and women before, during, and after his term. In the past decade, he spoke out against the rampant spread of AIDS among black people across the globe, and for the liberation of the people of Zimbabwe under failing leaders and institutions. Mandela supported the global community in the face of an unpopular war against Iraq, saying “It is a tragedy, what is happening, what Bush is doing. Bush is now undermining the United Nations.” Mandela is a symbol of courage for all Americans, as well as for Africans and anyone else who identifies with a beautiful struggle…and who knows that in time, the victory will be won.

Presidential Inaugural Address (1994):

President Obama’s “Happy Birthday” message to Nelson Mandela: