Amy Biehl

Amy Biehl with child from South Africa. (Internet Explorer)

When I hear the word hero I have only two words to describe it, Amy Biehl. Amy was an intelligent, caring, dedicated person who strived to end apartheid. Apartheid is racial segregation in the Republic of South Africa. Amy was born on April 26, 1967 and died a tragic death on August 25, 1993. Amy grew up in Newport Beach, CA and was Valedictorian of her high school, Newport Harbor High School. She graduated from Stanford University with honors and won a Fulbright Scholarship in 1992. Upon winning this scholarship Amy decided to go to South Africa. Her life is an inspiration to all people.

I consider Amy an intelligent person because she attended a great school that is extremely hard to get into and graduated from it with honors. Also, she is intelligent because she realized apartheid was a terrible thing and did something about it. I consider her caring because Amy cared about everyone's rights and she cared so much that Amy traveled to Africa to help others. She wanted to learn more about African culture and politics. Even though Amy was white and she knew that she wouldn't be treated fairly, she knew that they needed her help in South Africa. When she traveled to South Africa she was based at the University of the Western cape in Cape Town. There she worked in unprivileged communities and helped with the voter registration in advance of of the "Freedom Day" elections.

Amy's dedication to fighting apartheid is a great inspiration to all people. She was so dedicated that she was willing to risk her life to fight for the rights of black South Africans. On the evening of August 25, 1993 Amy was driving through Guglethu and suddenly something started to hit her car. It turned out that a group of angry young black youths were pelting her car with rocks. This caused Amy to stop the car and at that very moment she got caught in a trap. The group of blacks then dragged her out of her car and stabbed and beat her to death. That tragic night white Amy Biehl was murdered by four black youths. Unfortunately, she died just before apartheid ended.

The inspiration of Amy's life has helped created many foundations, schools, et cetera. One example of this is the Amy Biehl Foundation which was founded by Amy's family and friends.The Amy Biehl Foundation has created many programs where children can practice music and sports. There are also many programs for adults like first aid and CPR training. One school that was founded in Amy Biehl's name is Amy Biehl High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This high school has approximately 200 students attending it.

I consider Amy Biehl a hero to me because she was an extremely brave person. Also she is my hero because she knew she had to help with apartheid and instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen she did something. Amy has made a difference in my life because if I need courage I look to her. I hope you enjoyed learning about my hero, Amy Biehl.