Steve Biko (1946-78) is regarded as the father of the Black Consciousness movement in South Africa and a key figure
in bringing about the end of apartheid. He was murdered while in police detention in 1978.
Review
"It is good that there is this new edition to enable us to savour the inspired words of Steve Biko--perhaps
it could just spark a black renaissance."
--Archbishop Desmond Tutu, from the Preface
Publisher Web Site, January, 2003
Summary
"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." Like all of Steve
Biko's writings, those words testify to the passion, courage, and keen insight that made him one of the most powerful
figures in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. They also reflect his conviction that black people in South
Africa could not be liberated until they united to break their chains of servitude, a key tenet of the Black Consciousness
movement that he helped found.
I Write What I Like contains a selection of Biko's writings from 1969, when he became the president of the South
African Students' Organization, to 1972, when he was prohibited from publishing. The collection also includes a
preface by Archbishop Desmond Tutu; an introduction by Malusi and Thoko Mpumlwana, who were both involved with
Biko in the Black Consciousness movement; a memoir of Biko by Father Aelred Stubbs, his longtime pastor and friend;
and a new foreword by Professor Lewis Gordon.
Biko's writings will inspire and educate anyone concerned with issues of racism, postcolonialism, and black nationalism.
