Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918-December 5, 2013)

History.com:

The South African activist and former president, Nelson Mandela helped bring an end to apartheid and had been a global advocate for human rights.

A member of the African National Congress party beginning in the 1940s, he was a leader of both peaceful protests and armed resistance in a racially divided South Africa. His actions landed him in prison for nearly three decades and made him the face of the antiapartheid movement both within his country and internationally. Released in 1990, he participated in the eradication of apartheid and in 1994 became the first black president of South Africa, forming a multiethnic government to oversee the country’s transition.

Since retiring from politics in 1999, he had remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own nation and around the world.

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In my opinion, Nelson Mandela is one of the most important in modern history.