Bantu Stephen Biko was a freedom fighter with South African origin, who spearheaded a movement which aimed at empowering black natives to stop feeling inferior to the whites. He opposed apartheid in the strongest terms possible. He always mentioned that he wondered why the people who purported to be representing blacks had no idea of advocating for equality and the end of discrimination according to race. He emphasized that the whites who pretended to push the anti-apartheid agenda had no intention of protecting back Africans but rather had their selfish agenda. He termed them to lack the first-hand experience of what blacks went through hence they could not represent blacks. He encouraged black youth to form an organization that would be independent and be comprised of blacks including coloreds and Indians. However, Biko was not racist since he still had white friends.
Quote: "It is better to die for an idea that will live than to live for an idea that will die." ~ Steve Biko
Under the leadership of Steve Biko, the blacks-only organization organized programs that empowered black people, a move that aimed at reinstating black consciousness to the blacks. The whites saw this movement as a threat since it enlightened the blacks, reassuring them that the whites are not supposed to be superior to the blacks whatsoever. Consequently, Biko received restraining orders which affected his activities negatively. However, Steve Biko did not relent in his fight against racial segregation and instead wanted the blacks to rise again. The government often threatened Steve Biko’s life while he was under restricted movement and eventually he was put under detention. He was later killed by government officers while under detention in the year 1977 at the age of 30 years.
Quote: “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed” ~ Bantu Stephen Biko
Steve Biko's work on fighting for rights of the blacks in South Africa places him as a renowned freedom fighter who is recognized as a true African hero. Although he was brutally murdered, his legacy still lives through books, songs, and other forms of art that people created about him.
Quote: “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.” ~ Steve Bantu Biko
Author: David Katana
Content Writer, Certified Digital Marketer, & Social Media Strategist,
CEO, DAVEC Marketing Agency.
Nairobi, Kenya.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Biko
