'Father of a Nation' Nelson Mandela through the years

SLIDESHOW - In honor of Nelson Mandela's 92nd birthday, theGrio invites you on an emotional journey through seven decades of his political activism and personal crisis...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

In honor of Nelson Mandela, theGrio invites you on an emotional journey through the South African icon’s great life and accomplishments.

An unlikely world leader, Mandela’s sense of justice and incredible resolve carried him from humble beginnings in a village mission school to the forefront of a revolution and beyond.

Facing down personal crises and enduring suffering and humiliation, Mandela’s indomitable spirit offers insight and inspiration to those struggling to survive a world away.

Through seven decades of political activism, despite crushing oppression and wrenching sacrifice, Nelson Mandela has held onto his nobility and his unshakable belief in the ability of South Africans to rise to power through unity.

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