Alice Walker to honour Steve Biko
WORLD-RENOWNED American academic and feminist author Alice Walker will be in South Africa next month to deliver the Steve Biko Lecture.
COMING TO SA: World-famous author Alice Walker
Oprah, as she appeared in the movie the Color PurpleAlice Walker has written ground-breaking books, notably The Color Purple - which was made into a movie starring Oprah Winfrey
The poet, short-story writer, novelist, essayist, anthologist, teacher, editor, publisher and activist will deliver the 11th annual Steve Biko Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Town at 6pm on September 9.
Walker will also be part of a gathering of mainly leading artists at An Evening With Alice Walker discussionat the State Theatre in Pretoria on September 7.
Among these artists will be Simphiwe Dana, whose connection with Biko is notably the release of her ground-breaking album, Bantu Biko Street, more than three years ago.
The release of this album cemented her Black Consciousness credentials as well as reaping Dana both fame and fortune.
The family of the late Biko will also attend the State Theatre event.
"The Steve Biko Memorial Lecture is an opportunity to:
- explore the inextricable link between the individual and society;
- to explore triumphs over inequality; and
- to speak to contemporary challenges and opportunities facing people of African descent"
This is according to foundation spokesperson Nkosinathi Biko.
"Given Professor Walker's eloquent articulation of the link between identity, activism and social change, the Steve Biko Foundation is honoured that she will deliver this historic address," he said.
Tickets to this once-off event range between R150 and R200 a person.
Walker has written ground-breaking books, notably The Color Purple, which has been translated into more than two dozen languages, sold more than 10 million copies, earned Walker multiple awards and fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship.
It has also been adapted into a movie of the same name.
Njabulo Ndebele, Zakes Mda, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Mamphela Ramphele, Trevor Manuel, Tito Mboweni, Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki have previously given the Steve Biko Lecture, consolidating the prestige of this annual event in intellectual circles.
Matodzi
Can't help but wonder where would greats like Biko and Hani be if they were still alive.I sure as hell will pop in at State Theatre to check this one out.Report Abuse
Keanu
These are heros that needs to be commemorated throughout the continent. These are heros that we need to look up to. Everything they ever fought for was for society and not personal gain, Thus is what today's leaders should stand for. Viva Black Conciousness Viva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Report Abuse
mamoruti
I would love to see our local authors write distinctive books and honoring our heros as well,this is a good work madam WalkerReport Abuse
LAGOS
LET US LIVE WTH THE LEGACY OF STEVE BIKO" I WIL RATHER DIE 4 AN IDEA THAT I WIL LIVE,THAN 2LIVE AN IDEA THAT I WIL DIE"........Report Abuse