Essay by Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu
The 1972 Policy Manifesto of the South African Students' Organization (SASO) defines Black Consciousness as "an attitude of mind, a way of life whose basic tenet is that the Black must reject all value systems that seek to make him a foreigner in the country of birth and reduce his basic human dignity" The concept of Black Consciousness, therefore, implies an awareness and pride in their blackness by Black people and implies that Black people should and must appreciate their value as human beings.
Black Consciousness also means that Black people should be aware of the significance and importance of their own value systems, i.e. their socio-economic, political and cultural values. Implied in this appreciation of their value systems is the need to reject those foreign, alien value 1 United Nations. Centre against Apartheid, Notes, and Documents No 16/76. July 1976 systems which were forced down Black people's throats as part of the oppressor's logic of maintaining and perpetuating its brutal system of exploitation and emasculation.
