Today is the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa renowned across the world. Mandela is in critical condition, recovering from a severe lung infection that brought him close to death last month. Since contracting Tuberculosis during his 27-year imprisonment for fighting apartheid, Mandela has struggled with chronic lung infections.

Mandela is known as Madiba, a term of endearment from his Xhosa clan meaning “father.” He is often referred to as the father of South Africa, as he negotiated the end of apartheid after his release from prison and was the first democratically elected President in 1994.Mandela Day was ratified by the United Nations four years ago as an official day of remembrance and action on July 18. The purpose of Mandela Day is to inspire the world to take action in making the world a better place by encouraging global citizens to volunteer 67 minutes of service in honor of Mandela’s 67 years of public service.South Africans have been anxiously awaiting news about Mandela’s health since his hospitalization in early June, and were thrilled to celebrate his birthday and honor his legacy today. The Mandela Day website highlights ways that South Africans volunteered their time today, including litter cleanup, visiting and reading aloud to blind community members, teaching adult literacy classes and playing with children living in orphanages, among many others.We want to express our deepest gratitude for Mandela’s service, sacrifice and vision for equality and justice. We are in awe of his perseverance and commitment to peacefully leading change in the face of horrific injustice. His vision for equality and freedom for all, especially for those in poverty and suffering from all forms of injustice, compels us as we continue to work toward this shared vision for children and families in Mathare. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nelson Mandela, his family and the people of South Africa.

Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.Nelson Mandela, 2005 in London