With the world closely watching for news on the health of former South African president and legendary anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, this year’s July 18 Mandela Day ceremonies take on special significance.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists  (CBTU), TransAfrica and the South African Embassy will host a Mandela Day celebration at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at 1518 M St., N.W., in Washington, D.C., from 7 to 9 p.m. EDT.

To get more information about events happening near you, visit TransAfrica or call 1-855-4MANDELA.  

July 18 will be Mandela’s 95th birthday. To commemorate his birthday, the Mandela Day campaign is asking ordinary people to honor his legacy by volunteering 67 minutes of their time to charity or service projects. Sixty-seven is the number of years Mandela served his country through public service, politics and prison.