1994 – Nelson Mandela Sworn in as South Africa’s First Black President (Global Celebrations Continue)

Although Nelson Mandela was officially inaugurated on May 10, 1994, the global celebration of his leadership continued throughout the week, culminating in international solidarity events on May 13. Diaspora communities in the UK, Caribbean, and U.S. held rallies and vigils honoring Mandela’s journey from political prisoner to president. May 13 became a symbolic date in many international calendars as citizens around the world celebrated the triumph of democracy over apartheid. These events reflected the global investment in South Africa’s transition and the hope that Mandela’s leadership would usher in a new era of racial justice. May 13 is thus remembered not for a single act, but for the global resonance of Mandela’s rise—a victory shared across continents.