5 Heroes to Celebrate
July 18th is Nelson Mandela Day, an international holiday devoted to honoring the life and legacy of South African leader Nelson Mandela. Especially poignant following his passing earlier this year, the holiday celebrates Mandela’s dedication to human rights and equality for all people. As Mandela himself once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Learn more about other heroes you can celebrate who also committed their lives to the pursuit of peace, equality, and a better world.
1. Malala Yousafzai
On October 9, 2011, Malala Yousafzai was shot for standing up to the Taliban for her right to an education. She survived and continues to advocate for women and girls, inspiring people around the world to this day. Just two days after the brutal attack, the United Nations created the International Day of the Girl to raise awareness about gender inequality and advocate for the right to learn for girls everywhere. Malala's dedication to promoting the rights of girls is also honored on Malala Day in mid-July, celebrated on July 14 this year.
When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. — Malala Yousafzai
2. Alice Paul and the Women of the Suffrage Movement
August 26th marks the anniversary of the day that the 19th Amendment was adopted as part of the United States Constitution, officially giving women the right to vote. In 1971, August 26th was officially declared Women’s Equality Day, honoring women’s rights activist Alice Paul and the countless women who devoted their lives to the battle for equal rights.
I always feel the movement is a sort of mosaic. Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end. — Alice Paul
3. Mahatma Gandhi
In 2007, the United Nations established October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as the International Day of Nonviolence. Gandhi was the leader of the nonviolent independence movement in India, a movement that has inspired other activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The International Day of Nonviolence promotes peace, tolerance, and understanding through education and awareness.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi
4. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every January, we celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a national holiday. Although the campaign to establish a holiday for Dr. King began just days after his assassination in 1968, the holiday was first recognized in 1986 and was not celebrated in all 50 states until the year 2000. Today, Dr. King’s lasting legacy of peace and equality is honored with a holiday in more than 100 countries around the world.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. — Martin Luther King, Jr.
5. Helen Keller
On June 27, the world pays tribute to Helen Keller, the blind-deaf crusader who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges and traveled around the globe advocating for the rights of the world’s most vulnerable people. In 1915, she founded an international nonprofit organization, now called Helen Keller International, which saves sight and lives in 22 countries worldwide.
The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. — Helen Keller
Take a moment to honor the legacy of Helen Keller, and heroes everywhere, with a gift to Helen Keller International.
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