He saved more than 1,200 people during one of the bloodiest chapters in Africa's history. His story was the inspiration behind the Academy Award-nominated movie "Hotel Rwanda."

And now, Paul Rusesabagina is coming to Madison.

Rusesabagina — who was the basis for actor Don Cheadle's character in "Hotel Rwanda" — will speak at Monona Terrace Feb. 25 as part of a lecture series sponsored by the Madison Civics Club.

During his speech, "Hotel Rwanda: lessons yet to be learned," Rusesabagina will speak about his experiences during the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed the lives of anywhere between 500,000 and 800,000 people within three months.

According to University of Wisconsin political science professor Scott Straus, it was "the most rapid genocide" and "one of the worst human-rights abuses" of the 20th century.

During the genocide, Rusesabagina provided shelter for more than 1,200 refugees at a hotel he managed in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ten years later, Hollywood filmmakers turned Rusesabagina's story into the movie "Hotel Rwanda," which was nominated for three Oscars.

Madison Civics Club official Karen Icke said Rusesabagina's story was fitting for the theme of this year's lecture series: courage.

"It's about showing personal strength and courage … in a situation that needs that type of person to step forward," Icke said in a phone interview Thursday. "The genocide is something we need to know about. … [Rusesabagina's story] will make us think about his part of the world."

During his speech, Rusesabagina will also address the current genocide occurring in Sudan — which Straus called a "slower Rwanda" — and the seemingly perpetual state of civil war in Congo, which has resulted in the deaths of millions over the past two years.

Recently, Rusesabagina — who this year received a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award — has worked to raise awareness about the tragic events happening in the two African nations.

"This is a guy who's a real hero," Straus said. "He was extremely resourceful in saving lives during the Rwandan genocide, and it's both because of his courage and intelligence."

Icke said Rusesabagina's lecture is open to the public, with tickets costing $10 for students and $30 for the general public.

A luncheon will be held before Rusesabagina's speech and will be followed by a question and answer session.