Since 2009, July 18 has been Mandela Day. How will you commemorate this national day of service? (Google Images)
Since 2009, July 18 has been Mandela Day. How will you commemorate this national day of service? (Google Images)

USA Today is giving readers ten ways to celebrate Mandela Day, which started in 2009 when civil rights icon and activist Nelson Mandela turned 91. The day was commemorated approximately one year after Mr. Mandela gave a speech where he called on new leaders to “relieve his generation from the burdens of leadership.” Since that rousing speech, each year, July 18 is celebrated as Mandela day, a national day of service.

In light of the ongoing disappointment with the American justice system and the racial profiling of black and brown people throughout the world, The Burton Wire would like to challenge its readers to dedicate 91 minutes of their time this week to serving the community, with Mr. Mandela’s call for leadership in mind. Check out an excerpt of this article for ideas on participating in this national day of service and share your ideas in the comments section of this post or on Facebook or Twitter @TheBurtonWire #91minsofMandela.

1. Read to someone. Visit a library or local home for the blind or elderly.

2. Help someone get a job. Review their résumé or test their interview skills.

3.  Clean up your community. Paint a mural over graffiti, help fix up a run-down playground or pick up trash.

4.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank. Help feed the hungry in your area.

5.  Find out what matters in your neighborhood. Organize a public issues forum for you and your neighbors.

What ideas do you have? Share them with us on Twitter, #91minsofMandela.

Read more at USA Today.

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TheBurtonWire.com is the premiere online destination for people who think for themselves. This blog offers news from the African Diaspora, culture that is produced by often overlooked populations and opinion that is informed and based on fact. Tired of the onslaught of websites and talking heads that regurgitate what people want to hear, TheBurtonWire.com is a publication that elevates news and perspectives that people need to hear. TheBurtonWire.com is for individual thinkers who understand that they are part of a larger collective. What is this collective? Free thinking people that care about the world, who will not be categorized or boxed in by society or culture and are interested in issues and topics that defy stereotypes and conventional wisdom.

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