Lessons from South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Struggle
What lessons are there from South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle for our own efforts to combat racism here in the United States today?
This question arose during a talk I gave a few weeks ago in Sun City, Florida, and sparked a conversation that I have reflected on many times in the days since. I recently received a note from the event organizer in Florida, Cyrille Cobe, who, it seems, has continued thinking about it, too.
She writes, in part (and I am grateful to share with her permission):
“Your conversation with us has illuminated the place, the time, the people, and the struggle [of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement]. We have listened and learned. Your voice encourages us to continue to remain caring and vigilant and mindful when it comes to social justice and freedom.”
I am only one voice, and one perspective, but I am gratified if my story serves to inspire greater awareness of bias, structural racism and inequality in our society. It is only through that awareness that we can combat racism and, eventually, overcome it.
Photo: Frerieke/Flickr