By Kevin Boswell
http://kevinboswell.wordpress.com/
2010 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to South Africa
University of Cape Town, M. Phil. Justice and Transformation
I had just finished the compilation of Biko’s writings, I Write What I Like. I was struck by what a precise and logical thinker he was. Even his contemplation of issues that could only have been of secondary importance for him were incredibly sharp. For example, the book contains clips of correpsondence he had with a local priest over theological issues, and with some chagrin, I noted his grasp and explanation of theological issues was probably superior to my own, even after three years of intense study.
Of course, his primary historical importance concerned his ideas on the nature of the black struggle against apartheid. He is considered the father of the Black Consciousness Movement, which asserted that in order to be free, blacks in South Africa need to free themselves from an ingrained inferiority complex (thanks to colonialism and apartheid).
His eludication of issues has caused me to reflect on my own country’s racial history. For example, Biko argued for a black solution to apartheid, i.e., an exclusively black organization fighting for an inclusive future. He likened the liberal white insistence on a multiracial solution to “expecting the slave to work together with the slave-master’s son to remove all the conditions leading he former’s enslavement.” In the United States, you will often hear people lambasting something like the Black Entertainment Network with the line, “If there was a White Entertainment Network, somebody would get sued.” Biko disavowed me of these notions...
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Steve Biko Honoured with Posthumous Literary Award
On December 8, 2010 Bantu Stephen Biko was awarded the Posthumous Literary Award by the South African Literary Awards ,for his seminal work "I Write What I Like." These awards pay tribute to South African writers who have distinguished themselves as innovative producers and creators of literature, while celebrating literary excellence in the depiction and sharing of South Africa’s histories, value systems, philosophies and art.
I Write What I Like was originally published in 1978 after Biko's death and has been republished and reprinted several times since then. The book contains a collection of Biko's works dating from 1969 to 1972.
Previous recipients of the Posthumous Literary Award include Sol Plaatjie, Bessie Head and Dora Taylor. The South African Literary Awards were founded by the wRite associates in partnership with the National Department of Arts and Culture, Sowetan and Nutrend Publishers.
Click here to purchase a copy.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Development: What’s Culture Got to do With it?
By Y.Obenewa Amponsah
Often, in developmental circles, there is an implied or explicitly stated view that African culture is inherently patriarchal. Patriarchy is problematic in that it hinders growth and development by denying women equal opportunities while perpetuating negative social attitudes that fuel social injustice. This view is not only espoused by people outside of the continent’s boarders but by Africans as well. Yet the perspective that culture is inimical to development robs society of a powerful tool with which to bring about the desired change. If the developmental community is to advance a culture of human rights in which women and men are able to jointly reach their full potential, then every instrument possible, including culture, must be utilized to realize that objective.
