By Duncan Mnisi
Book Review – Steve Biko’s “I Write What I Like” is a compelling and powerful collection of writings that showcase his passionate advocacy for black consciousness, resistance against oppression, and the importance of mental liberation in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Throughout his writings, Biko emphasizes that “the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed,” highlighting how psychological resilience and awareness are crucial in the fight for freedom.
The book spans a crucial period in Biko’s activism, including his leadership in the Black Consciousness Movement from 1969 until his death in 1977. It contains a selection of his writings from this era, offering insight into his thoughts on race, identity, and resistance.
Notably, the collection also features a preface by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an introduction by Malusi and Thoko Mpumlwana both involved with the Black Consciousness Movement and a memoir by Father Aelred Stubbs, illustrating the broad support and significance of Biko’s work.
Biko’s writings reveal his deep understanding of the root causes of racial injustice and his unwavering belief that black people could not be liberated until they united and broke free from mental and social chains of servitude.
His conviction that black self-acceptance and a strong political identity are essential for liberation underscores the enduring relevance of his ideas.
The collection also includes reflections on his own life and the political environment of South Africa, making it a vital resource for anyone interested in anti-apartheid history, black empowerment, and social justice.
Overall, “I Write What I Like” is not just a collection of writings but a call to action. It inspires readers to challenge systemic oppression and to recognize the importance of mental emancipation as a foundation for political and social change.
Biko’s words continue to resonate today, making this book an essential read for those committed to understanding the roots of racial struggle and the enduring fight for human dignity.
