In this last episode of Season 1, we discuss Black Consciousness with historian, Dr Ian Macqueen. It is easy to reduce Black Consciousness to just a moment in South African history, but in reality it provided black people with the ideological tools to overcome fear. We start by looking at the radicalization of Afrikaner and African nationalism following World War II, and how this ultimately set the stage for confrontation. What were some of the key moments in the fight against apartheid in the 1950's? What is the importance of the formation of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in the development of Black Consciousness (BC) ideology? One cannot deny the contribution of Black Theology in the rise of BC. We discuss the role of Steve Biko in the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). Why is he considered the father of BC? What about the other prominent figures like Mamphela Ramphele and Barney Pityana? We look at the roots of BC in the South African Students Organisation (SASO). Why did SASO split from NUSAS? Why did SASO originate in Durban? We look at the way in which Black Consciousness changed the thinking of black and oppressed people; how it became a way to reclaim a sense of self-esteem and humanity. The BCM also provided for a cultural reawakening. Do you know the Soweto Poets? We've also asked Dr Macqueen to explain the link between BC and the Soweto Uprising of 1976. How did Abram Tiro and the SASO 9 trial contribute to events that transpired in Soweto? We conclude by taking a look at the legacy of BC. Did this ideology end with the death of Steve Biko? Is there any relation between BC and Black Lives Matter? Black Consciousness should not be reduced to a moment in history, but provides an important starting point for necessary conversations around race relations in South Africa. Dr Macqueen is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria and his book, Black Consciousness and Progressive Movements Under Apartheid, goes into more detail on the topic. Reach out to us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.
