This Day in Black History: Aug. 5, 1962
Nelson Mandela had a few run-ins with the South African authorities before becoming the country’s first Black president.
On Aug. 5, 1962, Mandela was arrested for allegedly “inciting workers to strike and leave the country without valid travel documents.”
Prior to his arrest, Mandela, who was given the name “Nelson” by a former teacher, graduated from the University of South Africa with a degree in law. He also became president of the African National Congress and was among 156 leaders arrested for high treason.
Mandela represented himself during trial.
On Nov. 7, 1962, Mandela was sentenced to five years of hard labor, and two years later, he was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage.
BET Global News - Your source for Black news from around the world, including international politics, health and human rights, the latest celebrity news and more. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photo: Three Lions/Getty Images)