Nelson Mandela

Born Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo, a village in the Transkei region of South Africa. His father is a chief of the Thembu people. His teacher gives him the English name "Nelson" on his first day of school, a common practice in South Africa at the time.

Co-founds the African National Congress Youth League. He is 26, studying law, and growing impatient with the ANC's cautious approach. He'll later describe himself during this period as an "angry young man."

Arrested on a road near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, after 17 months on the run. The CIA reportedly tips off South African security forces about his location. He has been traveling the country in disguise, sometimes as a chauffeur, sometimes as a gardener. The press calls him "the Black Pimpernel."

Sentenced to life imprisonment at the Rivonia Trial. The prosecution asks for death. In his statement from the dock, Mandela says: "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 needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." The judge gives life instead.

Rejects President Botha's offer of conditional release. The condition: renounce violence. His daughter Zindzi reads his response at a rally in Soweto. "I cannot and will not give any undertaking at a time when I and you, the people, are not free. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated." He stays in prison for five more years.

Walks out of Victor Verster Prison holding Winnie's hand. He has been in prison for 27 years. He is 71. The event is broadcast live worldwide. He hasn't been photographed in over 20 years. Most people alive have never seen his face.

Inaugurated as South Africa's first Black president after the ANC wins the country's first democratic election with 62% of the vote. Lines at polling stations stretch for miles. Many voters wait for hours. For millions of Black South Africans, it is the first time they have cast a ballot.

Walks onto the field at the Rugby World Cup final wearing a Springbok jersey, the symbol of white Afrikaner sport. South Africa has just beaten New Zealand. He presents the trophy to Francois Pienaar. The crowd, overwhelmingly white, chants "Nelson! Nelson!" It is 18 months since the end of apartheid.

Steps down after one term as president. South Africa's constitution allows two terms. He takes one. "I have done my duty to my people and to South Africa," he tells parliament. He is 80. In a continent where leaders cling to power for decades, he walks away.

Dies at his home in Johannesburg at 95. He had been in declining health for years, suffering from recurring lung infections dating back to his time on Robben Island. His memorial service at FNB Stadium draws 91 heads of state and government. The stadium holds 95,000. It fills.