Week 5

         Apartheid was established by the National Party governments from 1948-1994. In the Unites States, the civil rights movement period was between 1955 to 1968. Both countries experienced a battle for justice with the government.  Nelson Mandela was a key character to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa as was Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States. 
          After watching Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom I was able to understand better the racial segregation in South Africa, Apartheid. The movie shows the main events that happen in Mandela's life. We see that he joins the African National Congress as the peaceful protest have no effect on the unjust laws of the government. They plotted guerrilla war tactics and dangerous acts to sabotage and end Apartheid. Mandela and the others got arrested and were sentenced to life in prison. In 1990 the president of South Africa released Mandela from prison to help change South Africa. 
        In the movie Selma we see similarities to The Long Walk to Freedom, we see that MLK lead peaceful protest to bring attention and change to the injustices that African Americans faced. Mandela at the beginning had peaceful protest but went to prison for the violent acts the ANC committed. In the movie we see that MLK was a wise man who knew how to lead the people. We can see this characteristic when he kneels down to pray, gets up and does not continue the march. Similarly, Mandela had to make a decision to divorce his wife because he was taking the role of president.
        I learned about the struggle that Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and others faced as they tried to make a change by standing against injustices. Watching the films was heartbreaking because I often forget about the fight and difficulties they endured, where many lost their life. However, it was also empowering and inspiring because people can and are able to make a difference. Knowing the struggle and background information of South Africa definitely prepares us for the program. We will be able to see the impact that Nelson Mandela and other activist had in SA.