About

Born in 1946, Biko became a leading figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, which aimed to empower and mobilize the black population against apartheid. He believed in the importance of black pride, self-reliance, and the need for black people to liberate themselves from the mental and psychological chains of white domination. In 1977, Biko was arrested by the South African government and brutally interrogated by the security police. He was tortured and confined to a cell, where he suffered fatal injuries. Despite widespread protests and international pressure, the government denied medical treatment, leading to his death on September 12, 1977. His death caused outrage and further fueled the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Biko's writings and ideas on black consciousness had a profound influence on the anti-apartheid movement and continue to inspire people around the world. His legacy has been celebrated through various initiatives, including the Steve Biko Foundation, which promotes his vision of social justice and equality. Biko's life and death also inspired the 1987 film "Cry Freedom," which depicted his friendship with white journalist Donald Woods. Today, Steve Biko is remembered as a courageous and visionary leader who fought against racial oppression and advocated for the empowerment of black South Africans. His contributions to the anti-apartheid movement remain significant, and his ideas continue to have a lasting impact on the struggle for equality and justice in South Africa and beyond.