“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity,” South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and patron, Nelson Mandela once said in an interview for a documentary. And on December 5, 2013, the wings of Heaven swept down and brought Mandela to a peaceful rest, after a long life of working hard towards equality and democracy.

Mandela served as an inspiration for the underdogs and as the guiding voice for all of humanity. His efforts, from serving repeated time in prison to becoming South Africa’s president, contributed tremendously toward the worldwide dream, equality to all mankind.

“Mandela influenced a lot of people by giving them hope,” junior Phoenix Cooper said. “Just because people said you could not do something, it does not mean you cannot do it, you have got to keep trying.”

Mandela’s efforts contributed to uniting the mixed races in Africa, especially during his time as the president.

“Mandela was a great guy,” school security guard Mr. Raymond Blanchard said. “He united the black and white together in Africa. It was a big lesson.”

Nelson Mandela gave the world 95 years of hope. His legacy will be greatly missed, and impact everybody’s daily life, which will continue for generations to come.