#MandelaDay# reminds us that when things feel dark, confusing, or impossible—take a look back at his writings. There, we see how a belief in the dignity of every person can be made real, an unwavering hope to steel us along our own long walks toward something better.

Today is #MandelaDay#, a date that honors Nelson Mandela’s life’s work fighting for social justice. To mark the day, we are releasing our new report #BehindBars#. Through talking to former inmates, it exposes the abuse in #China’s# massive prison system.

Mandela Day is about taking action to change the world for the better. In these young people, I see Madiba's example of persistence and hope. They are poised to make this world more peaceful, more prosperous, and more just.

Ahead of Mandela Day, I spoke with the talented young people who just completed our @ObamaFoundation Leaders Africa program. They’ve been working on some of the most pressing issues across the continent, and are working together to find solutions. I couldn’t be prouder of them.