Читать книгу Let My People Go - Albert Luthuli - Страница 6

THIS BOOK IS THE OUTCOME, after long hesitation on my part, of the urging of a number of my friends. It is true that in the last thirty years I have been increasingly identified with the movement of resistance against oppression by white supremacy in South Africa, until now I find myself at its head. Nevertheless, I regard my life as one among many, and my role in the resistance as one among many. If I have anything to say, it is not because of any particular distinction, but because I am identified with those who love South Africa, and will resist with them the attempt to smash a noble land with base and ignoble doctrines, and sub-human practices.

Among the many friends who have encouraged me to write this book – and had they not implanted the idea, it would not have been written – it fell to Charles and Sheila Hooper to deliver the final blow to my reluctance. When they approached me for material for a biography which they intended to write, I asked them to undertake what has probably proved a far harder task. I asked them to become my amanuenses. They willingly agreed to this, and they have persisted with it in spite of the fact that my unforeseen five months in detention protracted the term of their labour.

Our manner of writing was this: Each of the Hoopers made independent records as I dictated to them what I had to say. Out of these records they compiled a first draft of the book, arranged – I fear it was not thus dictated – chronologically. To this draft I added my afterthoughts, occasional corrections, and this preface.

I record here my gratitude and indebtedness to them both. Before I met them I had heard of them, in connection with the upheavals over passes for African women in the Zeerust district. I met them long before the possibility of this book was broached, and out of our first meeting there has grown up a deep and abiding friendship, born of a common outlook in facing the tragedy threatening our common homeland, and a common belief in the relevance of the Christian Faith to our problems and needs, however complex.

It may be noticed that names, which might have been expected in a book of this type, do not appear. The reason for this is not churlishness on my part, or lack of the desire to give honour where it is due. But the roll of men and women who fight valiantly in the cause of freedom and justice is a long one; and in a book addressed to readers outside as well as in South Africa, it has been necessary at times to deal briefly with matters predominantly domestic in their interest. If I have done injustice to any, I ask pardon, and I point out that this book is in part dedicated to them. But the last impression I wish to create is that their role is minor, while mine is major. Indeed, the reverse is true. As I look back I accuse myself of having contributed too little.

May God’s Will, holy and perfect, be done in South Africa, the dearly-loved land whose children we all are.

ALBERT LUTHULI

1962