Short description
In 1977, Steve Biko was murdered in his prison cell. He was only 31, but his vision and charisma - captured in this collection of his work - had already transformed the agenda of South African politics. This book looks at the philosophy of black consciousness, Bantustans and African culture.
Long description
On 12th September 1977, Steve Biko was murdered in his prison cell. He was only 31, but his vision and charisma - captured in this collection of his work - had already transformed the agenda of South African politics. This book covers the basic philosophy of black consciousness, Bantustans, African culture, the institutional church and Western involvement in apartheid.
Review
In the 1970s, when almost everybody involved in the freedom struggle was in prison or in exile, Biko's was a lone voice of dissent. This richly humorous series of essays quietly exhorts Western middle-class whites to live up to their liberal principles and come out openly against apartheid. The book turned out to be prophetic, both for good - economic sanctions were imposed soon after the essays were published abroad - and for bad. One passage describes the brutalities of police interrogation. The internee, beaten and exhausted, is then told that he will be killed. His only response is a dry 'how long will it take you?' Steve Biko died in 1977 while in police custody. (Kirkus UK)
Table of contents
- PrefaceIntroductionSASO - It's Role, Significance and its FutureLetter to SRC PresidentsBlack Campuses and Current FeelingsBalck Souls in White Skins?We BlacksFragmentation of the Black ResistanceSome African Cultural ConceptsThe Definition of Black ConsciousnessThe Church as Seen by a Young LaymanWhite Racism and Black ConsciousnessFear - an Important Determinant in South African PoliticsLet's Talk About BantustansBlack Consciousness and the Questfor a True HumanityWhat is Black Consciousness? The Righteous and their Strength merican Policy towards AzaniaOur Strategy for LiberationOn Death