Video: Dennis Brutus reads from his work

This interview with the late South African anti-apartheid fighter and poet Dennis Brutus includes his poetry and thoughts on human rights and the struggle for liberation

Dennis Brutus passed way in December 2009, and he will be deeply missed. But his contribution to the world' struggles for social justice won't be forgotten. This 1982 video give an inspiring portrait of the writer, activist, and life-long leader of anti-racist, global justice struggles.

Christopher Lydon interviews Dennis Brutus (South African poet, scholar, and activist). Brutus reads one of his poems, "The Sounds Begin Again." Brutus discusses his various roles as poet, leader and activist; his concern with human rights and justice all over the world; his sense of exile from his country. Brutus reads one of his poems, "Sequence for South Africa." Brutus says that he tries to describe certain places and events in South Africa when he speaks to people who are unfamiliar with the country. He discusses the Sharpeville Massacre and reads one of his poems, "Sharpeville." Brutus discusses the current situation in South Africa, the growing repression and increasing resistance. Brutus talks about Solomon Mahlangu (South African activist), who was hanged by the government in 1979. He reads a poem that he wrote for Mahlangu.

Watch the video online at: http://openvault.wgbh.org/ton/mla000410/index.html