Yesterday was the 39th anniversary of the death of black South African anti-apartheid activist Steven Biko. I offer to you tonight some thoughts and some music, below the Story Break after a word from our sponsor…
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From the Wikipedia article on Steve Biko:
Biko was initially involved with the multiracial National Union of South African Students, but after he became convinced that Black, Indian and Coloured students needed an organization of their own, he helped found the South African Students' Organisation (SASO), whose agenda included political self-reliance and the unification of university students in a "black consciousness." In 1968 Biko was elected its first president. SASO evolved into the influential Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). Biko was also involved with the World Student Christian Federation.
In the early 1970s, Biko became a key figure in The Durban Moment. In 1972, he was expelled from the University of Natal because of his political activities and he became honorary president of the Black People's Convention. He was banned by the apartheid government in February 1973, meaning that he was not allowed to speak to more than one person at a time nor to speak in public, was restricted to the King William's Town magisterial district, and could not write publicly or speak with the media. It was also forbidden to quote anything he said, including speeches or simple conversations.
On August 18th, 1977 Biko was detained and violently interrogated by South African police. He sustained severe head injuries and died on September 12, 1977 while being driven to a prison with hospital facilities. An 1978 inquiry found there was not enough evidence to charge the officers responsible because (and stop me if this sounds familiar) *there were no witnesses*. Steven Biko’s life was the inspiration for the 1987 movie Cry Freedom.
Musician and human rights activist Peter Gabriel wrote and first performed his song Biko in 1980. It was without fail the closing song of every Peter Gabriel concert and it’s what I most remember about seeing his shows. In honor of yesterday’s significance, I went looking for videos of Gabriel singing Biko, and found this gorgeous video, as well as another here that’s harder to link, but is a powerful performance.
Gabriel ALWAYS ends this song the same: fist raised singing, then inviting the audience to join, something that the majority of those in attendance at his concerts ALWAYS did. In the video above, at minute 5:10 he asks the audience to “stand for all those NOW risking their lives”. Most people do, although I’m aghast at the gentleman in the front row who does so ONLY after appearing to notice he’s being filmed. It’s not like being on the Jumbotron at a football game, dude.
Then, when the crowd is engaged, he says the following: “And as always, what happens now is up to you.” And leaves the stage, with the audience carrying on the final part of the song. This too is a tradition, and why it was always sung last.
As always, what happens now is up to you
That phrase is the simple, unadorned truth of everything of importance. It’s not up to others, it’s up to you. And me. And you. One of the most powerful lyrics of any song I know is the third verse, and the final line of the song:
You can blow out a candle But you can't blow out a fire Once the flames begin to catch The wind will blow it higher
And the eyes of the world are watching now
The work we do matters. Even if a single candle is extinguished or burns out, if the fire is lit, it WILL spread. Help the flames of your cause, your vision, your passion, catch fire and spread. The floor is yours, to talk about your passions or visions of the future, your favorite songs, or whatever else moves you tonight. Please see the excellent comments found in our Top Comments, Top Mojo and Top Pictures tonight, formatted by the wonderful and eloquent (did you SEE last night’s diary?!) BeninSC.
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From indycam:
Though this comment by kos was made yesterday, it displays a quiet joy and happiness in family that is good to see.
Highlighted by MomentaryGrace:
Is this fine comment by koosah that will warm the hearts of LOTR fans, and Trump adversaries!
This comment by Bindle captures the degradation of the political/electoral process when it comes to choosing a president to lead our country. (Special thanks to Catte Nappe and Railfan for helping this comment find its way to the diary tonight.)
Highlighted by Just Desserts:
Is a comment made by ColoTim’s wife to ColoTim, about Trump and his combing ‘preference.’
Highlighted by GulliverFoyle:
Top Mojo ala mik!
For Monday, September 12, 2016, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on the subject.
1) Trump is certainly the most unqualified candidat … by FishOutofWater +356
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19) Firing off nukes in a fit of pique would be a lo … by Cali Scribe +94
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September 12, 2016, courtesy of jotter!