[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nelson Mandela Day sparks a global call to action to inspire change. The global pandemic and the national lockdown have heightened decades of inequality and created a resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement. The new era holds much promise for positive change. The 10th annual Nelson Mandela International Day will address this resurgence in The 18th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on July 18th.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”MANDELA DAY 2020″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4444″ img_size=”LARGE” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Each year on JULY 18th the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day to spotlight the legacy of a great statesman, a fierce advocate for equality and the founding father of peace in South Africa. Born on this day in 1918, this is the 10th annual Mandela Day.

The Day was inspired by a call Mandela made for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices — “it is in your hands now.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7701″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 18th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture will be delivered by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on July 18, 2020 beginning at 9:00AM EST. “Tackling the Inequality Epidemic: a New Social Contract for a New Era.” Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for the first time the lecture will be an online-only event, delivered at the UN headquarters in New York City.  CLICK HERE FOR LIVE COVERAGE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4445″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nelson Mandela’s fierce determination and passionate advocacy for human rights and fundamental freedoms changed the 20th century and helped shape the 21st. His vision of humanity as one; of women and men united around their essential dignity, brought together by their shared aspirations for a better world — is still the mantra of today. In times of turbulence, Nelson Mandela shows us the power of resisting oppression, of justice over inequality, of dignity over humiliation, of forgiveness over hatred.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation continues the great statesman’s legacy. Created by Mandela in 1999, the Foundation’s vision and the movement he spearheaded contributes to the making of a just society that remembers its past, listens to all voices, and pursues social justice for all.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7415″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nelson Mandela Socially Sparked® our lives forever and his beliefs and messages stand the test of time. On this Mandela Day 2020, take part in the global call to action to inspire change. As the movement says — ‘Make Every Day a Mandela Day”. The pursuit of a better world continues… — We are  #SOCIALLYSPARKED ! Tweet @sosparkednews and @asparks01[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]