Steve Biko - Significance to the Resistance Movement
There are several reasons why Steve Biko became a great civil rights hero and was famous for his significance to the resistance movement in South Africa. He was a confident public speaker attracting the young people of South Africa who so desperately needed a leader. His intelligence along with his natural leadership skills made him well known and respected by both blacks and whites. Although only in his twenties, Biko had met with U.S. senators and embassy officials. Steve Biko was likable; yet bold to express his beliefs, which challenged white supremacist leaders in his native land.
Biko's beliefs were more radical that ANC’s thinking. He believed that blacks could not rely on help or assistance from whites, and should therefore withdraw from any partnerships with white groups.
This resulted in antagonism between the two groups, with reports of ANC supporters beating and torturing black consciousness activists.
Biko said that in the Black Consciousness movement it was crucial to reverse the centuries of their hateful condition "that have given so many blacks as well as so many whites a negative view of blackness." The movement taught that blacks should replace feelings of worthlessness with dignity and self-reliance. Instead of strictly directing criticism toward whites, the Black Consciousness Movement focused on helping blacks understand themselves as self-sufficient and complete. Biko felt that in order for the struggle against white racism to succeed, blacks must be proud of themselves. He urged blacks to stand on their own two feet. As a result; a new kind of South African was born. Blacks became more confident. They became active participants in changing inequality in South Africa and the country would never be same again.
Steve Biko - Quotes
Biko, along with other black campaigners, preached that "Black man, you’re on your own," meaning blacks would have to win their own rights.
Donald Woods, a white editor of the Daily Dispatch in East London, South Africa, one of Biko’s closest friends, described Steve as “Quite simply the greatest man it had ever been my privilege to meet”.
"The Commission finds that the death in detention of Mr Stephen Bantu Biko on 12 September 1977 was a gross human rights violation. Magistrate Marthinus Prins found that the members of the SAP were not implicated in his death. The magistrate's finding contributed to the creation of a culture of impunity in the SAP. Despite the inquest finding no person responsible for his death, the Commission finds that, in view of the fact that Biko died in the custody of law enforcement officials, the probabilities are that he died as a result of injuries sustained during his detention." From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa report, published by Macmillan, March 1999.
Steve Biko -
Five Questions I would ask Biko if I could Meet Him
Why were you against violence in resistance movements?
Are there any laws in apartheid that you agree with?
How many times were you beaten whilst in prison?
How big was your South African Student Organization and how much effect did it have against apartheid?
Was your organisation active all over South Africa?
