Today in History: February 11th

On February 11th, 1990, Nelson Mandela, at one time considered South Africa’s most wanted man, walked out of the Victor Verster Prison at 4:16 pm local time after spending 27 years behind bars. He was accompanied by his then wife Minnie and a large crowd celebrating this pivotal moment in the history of South Africa.

He was originally incarcerated for playing a key role in the anti-Apartheid movement. 4 years after his release he would become president of the very country he was formerly incarcerated in.