The Cultural Institute of Steve Biko is a non-governmental organization that focuses primarily on promoting the development of the underrepresented people and empowering them in their culture here in Salvador, Brazil. They work to restore the severed ties within the black community by providing them with opportunities and resources to support them in a system that actively works against them. Although universities in Brazil are public and free of cost, the government requires an entrance exam to obtain a spot in the university. Many of the schools within the black communities don’t receive the necessary resources to provide these students with the best preparation for these programs. However, institutes like Steve Biko work to provide these resources free of cost. They’re run by volunteers from previous cohorts and professors who believe in the importance of providing opportunities to all people regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic background.
Steve Biko focuses on providing two areas of study: pre-vestibular courses and Oguntec. The pre-vestibular courses offer students a comprehensible understanding of all subjects that will appear on the entrance exam while Oguntec, named after the orisha Ogun, focuses on studying technology. Oguntec was implemented to help encourage students to not limit themselves to just the basics, but make advancements in a rigorous curriculum. This further supports the importance of growing your self-esteem. At Steve Biko, the students are reconditioned to think highly of themselves combating against the constant brainwashing they’ve experienced growing up in an oppressive society.
Outside of educational programs, Steve Biko offers entrepreneurship courses where they aim to help small black businesses build their business presence and prepare to enter into the highly competitive market. Primarily, they focus on businesses started by black women due to the double marginalization they experience living in a patriarchal society. Along with these advancements, they are working to bring more courses into their program to increase the representation in highly competitive fields that have low representation like law and medicine.
It was an honor to learn about the role of Steve Biko today. I went into this experience not knowing much about affirmative action and its importance, but leaving an understanding deeply why it is necessary for future generations. It’s an important part of my history and why so many of my ancestors were able to make the decisions they needed to progress through the world. Even though I do not directly benefit from this exact program, I am extremely grateful that it exists. Knowing that those who were previously counted out now have this opportunity brings me so much joy. I wish nothing but prosperity and longevity for this institution and many others that work to provide the same opportunities.
