THE BIEHLS: a family of faith

 

When Amy was just a college student in California, she dedicated herself to stopping apartheid in Africa. In 1992, she was given a Fullbright scholarship and chose to study in South Africa to continue her mission of peace. While she was there she was fascinated by the culture and politics of South Africa. Her mission was cut short, however, when an angry mob of black militants beat and stabbed the white American to death in 1994.

In the aftermath of their tragedy, Amy’s parents, Linda and Peter, went to South Africa to try and understand their daughter’s connection with the country. They visited Guguletu, the small town where one of the people involved in her death was raised. "I really didn't know what I felt about them. And so when I was able to come out into their environment, then I knew, OK, there was some logic to it. I can understand how, if you were a youth living in these conditions, you could be stirred up, and you could become violent. I think I can understand that," said Linda.

After seeing the country how they thought Amy must have seen it they started the Amy Biehl foundation, (http://www.amybiehl.org/) an organization dedicated to furthering young South Africans’ education as well as helping them get into college.

*Coretta Scott King commemorated Amy Biehl in a letter she wrote to Peter and Linda just a few days after Amy’s death:

 "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Biehl,

I am deeplyand personally saddened to learn of your daughter Amy's death. Your loss is shared by all the people of conscience in South Africa, at the King Center, and around the world - - people, who like Amy, have devoted their lives to the quest for worldwide freedom, peace and justice.

Tomorrow, August 28th, commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington where my husband, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. As I march tomorrow I will, of course, remember Martin, but I shall also remember Amy's valiant effort and supreme contribution.

Although there is pain and sorrow, you should take great pride in her selfless dedication to such a noble cause. My prayers are with you and your family, now and always.

May God bless you.

Sincerely,
Coretta Scott King

 

SOURCES:

The Amy Biehl Foundation (http://www.amybiehl.org/)

 

CBS News (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/02/28/60II/main165933.shtml)

 

The Berkleyan (http://www.berkeley.edu/news/berkeleyan/1999/0428/biehl.html)