While he was unjustly imprisoned by the former aparthaid regime in South Africa, he never lost hope that justice would someday prevail. Not only did it prevail, he soared above his prison and touched the minds and hearts of people all around the world.

The fact that he became the first African president of South Africa is nothing short of a miracle. Since then, he has never looked back—only looking forward, he brought real democracy to what was once a stain on the map of human conquest.

Freedom is possible, even in the worst situations. That is what I learned from Nelson Mandela’s struggle and triumph. May we all learn from him how to rise above oppression with a peaceful heart.