The Trial of Steve Biko

In this lecture and conversation, we explore the life and work of South African freedom fighter Steve Biko.

In 1978, the leadership of the South African Students’ Organisation, founded by Biko, and the Black People’s Convention were put on trial in apartheid South Africa.

What followed was one of the seminal events in 20th Century African history and one of the definitive events of the Black Consciousness Movement. Though not on trial himself, Biko’s awe-inspiring performance under cross-examination reinvigorated the youth movement in South Africa, inspiring another generation to challenge the racisms of apartheid. 

In this engaging and thought-provoking conversation, we dive into Biko’s testimony, decipher Biko’s formidable rhetoric and explore why Biko and Black Consciousness were so important to the fight against apartheid.