Canada unveils Nelson Mandela stamp

Canada Post unveiled a stamp honoring Nelson Mandela Jan. 27. This nondenominated stamp will be issued Jan. 30 for Black History Month.

The anti-apartheid leader and South Africa's first black president, Mandela was made an honorary citizen of Canada in 2001 during his third visit to the country. He was the first living person to receive this honor.

In a press release from Canada Post, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said, “Nelson Mandela, an honorary Canadian citizen, is an inspiration to everyone who values human rights. As a great champion of freedom, beloved by Canadians, he will forever be remembered as a man whose courage changed not just South Africa, but also the world."

The design for the new stamp is based on a photograph of Mandela taken during his first visit to Canada in 1990, just four months after his release from 27 years of imprisonment in South Africa. Armenian-Canadian portrait photographer took the photograph.

Canada Post reports that the stamp, a souvenir sheet and first-day cover will be available for purchase on Jan. 30 at its website. 

Born July 18, 1918, in Mvezo , Transkei, Mandela died Dec. 5, 2013,  at age 95.