S Biko The African Revolutionist Insights.

So today I was listening to one of the popular local radio shows... The host, Shatta Bwoy, shared something about Black people power, featuring Steve Biko and this post literally wrote itself.

Steve Biko was an anti-apartheid activist and the co-founder of the South African Students' Organization, subsequently spearheading the nation's Black Consciousness Movement. He also co-founded the Black People's Convention in 1972. Steve Biko started his activism at the age of about 24 years and tragically died in detention: 12th of Oct 1977. His death attracted a lot of attension to apartheid invoking a revolution not only in S.Africa but in the entire. The Black people have a lot to thank him for. Biko's death was sure not in vain, he died a hero and is an unchallenged legend to reckon with to date.

So today I have decided to share some of his thought eliting quotes.

“The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."

“I’m going to be me as I am, and you can beat me or jail me or even kill me, but I’m not going to be what you want me to be.”

“Black Consciousness is an attitude of the mind and a way of life, the most positive call to emanate from the black world for a long time.”

“So as a prelude whites must be made to realise that they are only human, not superior. Same with Blacks. They must be made to realise that they are also human, not inferior. “

“A people without a positive history is like a vehicle without an engine.”

“Being black is not a matter of pigmentation – being black is a reflection of a mental attitude. ”

“A Black man should be more independent and depend on himself for his freedom and not to take it for granted that someone would lead him to it. The blacks are tired of standing at the touch lines to witness a game that they should be playing. They want to do things for themselves and all by themselves.”

“If you want to say something radical, you should dress conservative.”

“WOMEN must be at the forefront of nations building to bring the South African citizenry together and, therefore, develop a whole new ethos of human coexistence.”

“Merely by describing yourself as black you have started on a road towards emancipation, you have committed yourself to fight against all forces that seek to use your blackness as a stamp that marks you out as a subservient being."

“In a bid for change, we have to take off our coats, be prepared to lose our comfort and security, our jobs and positions of prestige, and our families… A struggle without casualties is no struggle.”

Steve Biko for sure gave power to the people...and especially the African Black people.

Please share your thoughts and concerns below. Thank you!!