steve biko i write what i like chapter summary

In the short memoir presented at the end of the book, a vivid picture is painted of the man, magnifying the sense of loss of a great man of Africa. Why Africa seems to still be oblivious to a 3rd party in its affairs, and why Kenyans continue to be willing pawns within a political game with only debt to gain. While reading the book, I wondered why despite the pace set by the Black Consciousness movement in its early stages in South Africa the world is yet to catch up to the truth of inherent human worth, not dependent on race- evidenced by the increasing racial unrest. He gets philosophical concerning humanity pain, suffering, value, evil, and so on leaving you with more questions than answers in a progressive way a restlessness of heart that stems from wondering why we repeat cycles expecting different results. The book captures his writings from 1969-1972 with a lens that flexes from contextual issues like Apartheid, and the Black Consciousness movement to broader thematic areas like Human Rights. You cannot take a passive approach reading him. He takes time with setting the foundation for the big idea and doesn’t take the nuts and bolts for granted. His prose packs hefty punches, antagonizing only the perpetrators of evil and injustice while being refreshingly devoid of the mudslinging characteristic of political discourse.Įvery piece is anchored by a purpose and a structure that enhances contemplation. His writing alludes to his purposefulness and strategic mindset. He was undoubtedly a brilliant mind unapologetic, articulate, and hard-hitting.

The latter motivation ended up being the bedrock upon which my love for the book and praise for the man would lie. My encouragement to give it a chance was the fact that I would be looking at a historical authority with current and adult eyes, and also the very exciting fact that I would be getting into Biko’s mind. I wasn’t too eager to pick it up except for This is Steve Biko! Father of the Black Consciousness movement. I watched Cry Freedom severally growing up and picking up the book, I could not remember much of the movie except the gallons of tears I expressed. The grey-scale freezes his vibrancy, a testament to a legacy curtailed by death too soon.

The cover has a black and white picture of Biko- a lover of people, mid-sentence. But then again, a book as old as time, well written, can be thematically forward. I was skeptical about picking it up, mostly because I am inclined to be more current in my reading. Steve Biko I Write What I Like is the best book I have read in 2021.

Steve biko i write what i like chapter summary