Who Should Be the Person of the Century?

By Kofi A. Annan; Jesse Jackson

TIME's continuing series of special issues on the 100 most influential people of the 20th century will culminate in December, when we will name a single figure as the Person of the Century. To help the magazine's editors make the choice, we are asking a select group of people to tell us whom they would pick. Here are the latest intriguing nominations:

NELSON MANDELA At the end of the 20th century, the life of Nelson Mandela stands out as one of unparalleled political courage and personal dignity in the fight against one of this century's great evils. By overcoming the evil of racial discrimination in one nation, Mandela set an example of hope and persistence for all of the united nations.

Mandela's refusal to compromise his beliefs during the long years of his imprisonment, his insistence that racial equality become a reality for all South Africans, his determination to pursue truth and lasting reconciliation upon his release and his election as the President of South Africa serve as vivid and universal lessons in the ability of mankind to create what Mandela, 35 years ago in a Pretoria courtroom, called his cherished ideal of "a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities." --Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General, U.N.

BORN July 18, 1918

1944 Joins the anti-apartheid African National Congress 1962-90 Imprisoned for high treason 1991 Becomes president of A.N.C. 1994 Elected South Africa's President 1999 Retires from presidency

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Confronting the issues of slavery and race has been fundamental in America's development. A successful outcome was achieved only through dedication and sacrifice. The first stage was the abolition of slavery, the source of great shame. The next step was an end to legal segregation, and then the guarantee to all Americans of the right to vote. The final stage was equal access to capital for everyone. Dr. King led the 20th century drive to transform American culture. He fought to end segregation by changing the law. If Dr. King had not succeeded and Congress had not passed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, we would not have the multiracial, multicultural society we have today. Dr. King dispelled the notion that just because you were black, you could not lead. The healer, the builder of bridges, the one who changed the laws was Dr. King. As a leader he had no peer. --The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, founder and president, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition

BORN Jan. 15, 1929 1957 Founds Southern Christian Leadership Conference, leads nonviolent fight against racism 1963 Organizes March on Washington to support proposed civil rights legislation 1968 Assassinated in Memphis, Tenn.