Washington (CNN) -- In 1980, Nelson Mandela was sitting in a South African prison cell, serving a life sentence. On the other side of the world, a young college student named Barack Obama was riveted by the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the brewing crusade to free the renowned activist. Little did they know that nearly three decades later, the two would have something in common: They would be the first elected black presidents in their respective countries. U.S. President Barack Obama has made it no secret that he considers Nelson Mandela one of the greatest influences -- if not the greatest -- in his life and in the lives of countless others. Throughout his first five years in office, he has repeatedly referenced Mandela, either invoking quotes from the anti-apartheid icon or spreading his messages of freedom and equality.
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Obama has said he considers Mandela one of -- if not the -- greatest influence in his life
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In "Dreams of my Father," Obama recalls pleading with college trustees to divest from South Africa
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Obama met Mandela for the first time in 2005
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With Mandela gravely ill, Obama did not get to visit him during his last trip to South Africa
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