Flashcards on The Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa
The Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa: A Student Guide
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Black Consciousness Movement
31 cards
Card 1
Question: What was the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) described as — an organization, a political party, or something else?
Answer: The BCM was described as a way of life and an attitude of mind, not a political organization; it emphasized black self-definition and rejecting value
Card 2
Question: Who was the key leader associated with the Black Consciousness Movement and where was he a student?
Answer: Steve Biko, a medical student at the University of Natal.
Card 3
Question: What event in 1960 helped create the space for the BCM to develop?
Answer: The Sharpeville Massacre, when police shot many protesters and the government banned organisations like the ANC and PAC.
Card 4
Question: Why did Steve Biko break away from NUSAs and what organisation did he form at university?
Answer: He did not want black people to rely on white liberals in NUSAs, so he broke away and formed SASU in 1968 at the University of Torfloop.
Card 5
Question: What was the BCM slogan or key message about black identity?
Answer: 'Black is beautiful' — promoting black pride and that blacks were good enough.
Card 6
Question: How did the BCM encourage black people to resist apartheid besides pride-building?
Answer: It promoted self-reliance, building their own value system, undermining the apartheid regime, and supporting disinvestment and sanctions.
Card 7
Question: Name two community activities or projects started by the BCM.
Answer: They started Zamem-PILO to provide health care and kept funds for jailed or banned people; they also started a theatre telling South African history a
Card 8
Question: What happened to the BCM and its leaders in 1977?
Answer: The government banned groups linked to the BCM; Steve Biko was arrested again and later died in jail.
Card 9
Question: How did the BCM influence the Soweto Uprising on 16 June 1976?
Answer: BCM ideas influenced youth through SASO and former SASO members who became teachers and introduced BCM ideas to learners, contributing to the uprising
Card 10
Question: What student organisations grew from or were linked to the BCM and what roles did they play?
Answer: SASO (student organisation) influenced SASM, which established branches in Soweto schools, provided leadership to high school learners, and produced a