Al Gore
(Albert Arnold Gore Jr)
Al Gore rose to fame as Bill Clinton’s Vice President, a position that he held from 1993 – 2001, but became an international hero when he became a figurehead for the environmentalist movement. Although he lost out to George Bush in the millennium US elections, he did not give up, and dedicated his life to spreading the word about global warming – releasing the Academy Award winning book and film An Inconvenient Truth in 2006. The poignancy and hard-hitting nature of his work affected all nations, and led to a Nobel Peace Prize the following year.
Dalai Lama
(Lhamo Thondup)
As the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama was put in a devastating position during the late ‘50s, when China began a hostile takeover of his peaceful country. Exiled to India in 1959, the Buddhist monk dedicated his life to trying to reconcile the nations without conflict or violence, while studying and writing about how science and spirituality can lead to happiness. His wisdom and compassion landed him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Nelson Mandela
(Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela)
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela, one of the most recognizable human rights symbols of the twentieth century, is a man whose dedication to the liberties of his people inspires human rights advocates throughout the world. Born in Transkei, South Africa. Educated himself with a university degree and law degree. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and actively worked to abolish the apartheid policies of the ruling National Party. On trial for his actions, Mandela declared, “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Mandela became a powerful symbol of resistance for the rising anti-apartheid movement, repeatedly refusing to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. Finally released in February 1990, he intensified the battle against oppression to attain the goals he and others had set out to accomplish almost four decades earlier. In May 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president, a position he held until 1999. He presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid, winning international respect for his advocacy of national and international reconciliation. An international celebration of his life and rededication to his goals of freedom and equality was held in 2008, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” —Nelson Mandela
Aung San Suu Kyi
“We will surely get to our destination if we join hands.” Aung San Suu Kyi (born 19 June 1945 in Yangon, Burma) is a human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and former State Counsellor of Myanmar. She is the leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma and a famous prisoner. She has been under house arrest several times. was placed under house arrest for a total of 15 years over a 21-year period, on numerous occasions, since she began her political career, during which time she was prevented from meeting her party supporters and international visitors.
No comments:
Post a Comment