Black Consciousness and the BCM Flashcards
What is BC
An attitude of mind that can broaden into a philosophy or way of life.
What did BC replace in SA
It replaced the apartheid term ‘non-white’ with ‘black’. This was positive rather than negative.
Who did the term ‘black’ include
Indians, coloureds, and black Africans.
What did ‘consciousness’ refer to
The realisation that black people have inherent worth and dignity as individuals and as a group
What did ‘consciousness’ emphasise
The confidence and the right to shape ones own future
What did BC state about black people
Rely on self to improve situation
Not rely on white people
No submissive attitude/ feeling inferior towards whites
Note considering themselves 2nd class
Need pride (history, culture, achievements)
No integration with whites. Should follow african norms, not white norms
Realise black power, pride and self-help essential in developing BC
Who played a large role in BC
Stephen (Steve) Bantu Biko
Biko: background
Born in King William’s town and raised by mother. Mother was domestic worker. Father was policeman, but died when he was 4. Brother was jailed for being suspected to be a member of Poqo. After this, Biko moved to Natal and wrote grade 12. He began medical training at the university of Natal. Participated at NUSAS, but realised black students needed own organisation.
Where was SASO launched
University of Turfloop on 1 July
What made Biko finally create SASO
When NUSAS accepted separate residences and eating facilities.
What were biko’s ideas
That personal complexes confine people’s ability to develop and flourish; and that people empower themselves. Soon others took up these ideas.
What had happened once Biko had let the University of Natal
BC was firmly established as a philosophy. It had also been put into practice at a health centre
Who ran the health centre
Dr Ramphele and was administered exclusively by black people.
What was BPC
An umbrella group that embraced all groups like the BC.
What kinds of groups did BPC include
Educational, cultural and religious groups
What did the whites think of BC
They were divided on the issue. An editor in east London had doubts about Biko’s policy, and thought it was racist. After meeting with Biko at a time when it was banned, his opinion started to change
What did Suzmanb call the BC
The ugly stepchild of Apartheid
Who ran the government at the time of BC
John Vorster
What did the government think of BC
They started to take a very hard line against organisations that seemed to be anti-apartheid. SASO was subjected to much government harassment
Who did Biko leave King William’s town with
Peter jones
Who was peter jones
An executive member of the BPC
What happened to Biko when he was leaving
He was stopped at a roadblock outside the town and taken to a police station where he spent the next 20 days at.
What were the conditions for Biko in jail
Kept naked, constantly manacled. Not permitted to exercise or wash himself. He was severely beaten while being interrogated. His condition deteriorated, but still held under bad conditions. Was transferred to a prison hospital. Drive there worsened his condition. He died one night after he went to the prison hospital
What was Biko’s cause of death, according to the minister of justice
That Biko had died because he went on hunger strike. He said he as unaffected by the death of Biko. Because of this statement, there was an international outcry
