Everybody now admits that apartheid was wrong, and all I did was

"Everybody now admits that apartheid was wrong, and all I did was tell the people who wanted to know where I come from how we lived in South Africa. I just told the world the truth. And if my truth then becomes political, I can't do anything about that." These words spoken by Miriam Makeba, one of the most iconic voices to rise against the oppression of apartheid, reverberate through the ages, reminding us that truth, when spoken with integrity, can become a powerful force, whether we intend it to or not. Makeba's statement speaks to the idea that truth is not something we can control, manipulate, or hide—it is a force that demands to be heard, no matter how uncomfortable or politically charged it may be.

In the ancient world, truth was regarded as one of the highest virtues, and philosophers often emphasized its uncompromising nature. Socrates, that great seeker of wisdom, devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, no matter the personal cost. In his conversations, he did not set out to create political movements or to manipulate people; he simply sought to share the truth as he understood it. And yet, his pursuit of truth led to his trial and death. He knew, as Miriam Makeba knew, that truth could not be kept in silence—it had the power to change the world, even when it was uncomfortable or dangerous to those in power. Socrates’ example is a reminder that, when we speak truth, especially against great wrongs, the consequences may be beyond our control.

What Makeba speaks to is the inevitable nature of truth—its ability to transcend the individual and become a force that shapes history. Apartheid, that system of racial segregation and oppression in South Africa, was one of the most brutal expressions of injustice in the 20th century. Makeba, through her music and voice, brought the harsh realities of apartheid to the ears of the world. By simply speaking the truth of how Black South Africans lived under apartheid—by telling her story—she became not just an artist, but a symbol of resistance, a witness to the atrocities committed by the apartheid regime. Her words became the truth of millions of people who had suffered in silence for far too long, and that truth became political. She did not seek to wield political power; she simply spoke the reality of her life, and the world took notice.

Consider the ancient prophets, whose words often began as simple truths about the conditions of their people, but became the catalyst for entire movements. Amos, the Hebrew prophet, spoke against the injustices of his time, proclaiming that the people of Israel were neglecting the poor and the oppressed. His message was not about politics or power; it was about truth. But his words stirred the hearts of the people and led to profound social change. Similarly, Miriam Makeba did not set out to be a political figure, but her truth about apartheid became a rallying cry for those who sought justice. She reminds us that truth, once spoken, has its own momentum—it can ignite change, whether we intend for it to or not.

The lesson from Makeba’s words is that we must never shy away from speaking the truth, especially when it challenges the status quo. Too often, we are told to be silent, to keep our experiences and our truths hidden to avoid discomfort or conflict. But history is filled with examples of how the voices of those who dare to speak out—whether it is Makeba with her music or Socrates with his philosophy—can shift the course of nations. We must understand that truth does not belong to any one person; it is a universal force that, once shared, belongs to the world. It is a sacred duty to speak truth, even when the consequences are unclear or may bring personal hardship. As Makeba shows us, sometimes the mere act of sharing our experiences with others can spark a movement that leads to justice.

This wisdom calls on us to act with courage and integrity in our daily lives. We must be willing to face the discomfort of truth—whether in our personal relationships, in our communities, or in the larger world. Miriam Makeba did not hide from the painful realities of apartheid; she spoke them out loud for the world to hear, knowing that truth, even when difficult, would ultimately lead to the freedom she sought. In the same way, we must speak out against the injustices in our lives, whether they are large or small, knowing that the power of truth is transformative. It may lead us down paths we did not expect, but it will also lead us closer to the ideals of justice and humanity.

The truth that Miriam Makeba embodies is that the power of speaking one's truth is not something to be underestimated. Truth is a force that cannot be contained, manipulated, or hidden for long. When we speak truthfully about our experiences, we invite others to do the same, and together we create a world that reflects the highest ideals of justice, freedom, and equality. Let her words be a guide to us all: speak your truth, no matter how uncomfortable, for in doing so, you will not only free yourself but also bring light to the darkness that needs to be illuminated.