I Write What I Like: Selected Writings

Biko was a great man and a great writer.

Very deep, informative, and poignant book. I haven't finished the book but what I've read so far is very impressive. Biko was not only a very strong and principled leader, he was also a genuine political intellectual who understood the root causes of the black South African's dilemma.Nelson Mandela is the household name and face associated with the black struggle in South Africa. Mandela's place in history is well deserved but Biko is often forgotten and I never understood that. Black Consciousness was a mindset every black had to reach before they could free themselves from white rule. People must accept themselves and their history before they can begin the fight to free themselves from subjugation and reach political legitimacy.Biko's movement was a raging inferno that laid the foundation for the ANC's eventual victory over apartheid and free elections in South Africa. Blacks could never experience self-determination if they first didn't see themselves as people deserving of human rights, dignity, free will, and the right to vote and elect their own political representatives.

Biko believed that once Africans achieved a level of awareness that they would beinfused with a new sense of pride and incorporate African values into their country. In addition, Steve Biko wrote acrimoniously about Apartheid because he came to same conclusions that African Americans concluded about America; Whites have conditioned them to believe that Blacks are inferior. In that sense Biko’s philosophy of Black Consciousness will remind you of the Black Power movement of the sixties in the United States of America, an image of Stokely Carmichael with fist in the air comes to mind. Yet, if you read closer he wanted Black South Africans to seek something more important, ubunto-a sense of community and humanity.

Some of the most important writings ever written are included in this collection. Reading Biko continues to be essential not only to understand the philosophy and movement of Black Consciousness, but also to understand the contemporary racial moment--in South Africa, the United States, and beyond. Biko's writing was prophetic and continues to be invaluable today.

Great book and so glad I learned about this great man!

It is always important for one to read about our leaders and where we come from, so we understand how to move forward. What a character, one just wonder how would SA be like if he was with us.

The book is a direct account of the horrors inflicted upon the African by the European invaders, and how they justify this pillage in the name of God and their Bible. A stirring account and penetrating look into the character of those who claim to act in the name of God. The vileness of the actions of Europeans, to take and claim the land, is now under assault.

With everything we have heard in the media recently, this book is right on. Every racial group should develop it's own consciousness, and come together as one. We seem to missing many points, not least is "we are all in this together!". By raising our consciousness as individuals we can elevate our own understanding and make the world a much better place. Steve Biko's writings help us to understand how we can move forward. This book should be used as a teaching tool in every school. With deepest sincerity and effort we can change the world, and make it a better place for all. Biko!

Superbe livre et occasion de bonne facture

Excellent read

Recommend it. 10/10

It is what it is

A great book by the Christian South African medical student, activist and leader active in the Black Consciousness Movement in the 1970's. I don't like title as I find it to be too common and plain, but the content is great which obviously is the most important thing. The book was also received before the expected date of delivery and in a perfect condition.