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Mmerikani (Swahili & English)'s avatar

Louise, due to your post, we pulled up and are watching the Cry Freedom movie right now. I did not know of this early Denzel Washington movie at all. Thank you!

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Louise Haynes's avatar

I didn’t know about it either! I wonder if I can get it here!?🤔

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Mitsuru Hiki's avatar

It was not until I started to listen to the second video you posted that memories of Peter Gabriel's Biko came back. I must confess that back then (when Gabriel's Biko was released) I didn't understand the meaning of the song (and its historical background and significance). But thanks to your introduction and explanation, I was able to understand and appreciate the song much better. Thank you.

After watching the two videos you posted, I went on watching another few versions of Gabriel's Biko. I found live versions so powerful.

Mitsuru Hiki

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Louise Haynes's avatar

I only knew about him through the songs. Writing this article gave me the impetus to do some further research. Such a waste of the life of a true fighter for positive change.

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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

Excellent article on a truly horrifying subject. The Peter Gabriel song has long been a favorite. I remember years of boycotting to get universities to divest from South Africa. Finally it worked. Now I turn around and find Trump welcoming white South Africans under the guise of refugees. They do not look as though they have been deprived of sleep, food, luggage, clothing…I am more angry than I can say.

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Louise Haynes's avatar

Yes, Alexandra, it has come to this. It makes you wonder what all that pressure put on unis was for. Yet, never give up and never give in!

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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

I quite agree. I am not about to give up, and I certainly will never give in. I have studied Russia all my life. I won’t accept that kind of life.

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