- Born
- Died
- Birth nameStephen Bantu Biko
- Nickname
- The Father of Black Consciousness
- Steve Biko was born on December 18, 1946 in Ginsberg, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He was married to Ntsiki Biko. He died on September 12, 1977 in Pretoria, South Africa.
- SpouseNtsiki Biko(December 1970 - September 12, 1977) (his death, 2 children)
- ChildrenNkpsinathi BikoLenato BikoHlumelo BikoMotlasts Biko
- ParentsMzingaye BikoAlice Mamcete Biko
- RelativesBukelwa Biko(Sibling)Khaya Biko(Sibling)Nobandile Biko(Sibling)
- In 1980 English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel released a single in tribute to him called "Biko", which became a Top 40 hit on the UK charts and a mainstay of his live performances. He was also portrayed by Denzel Washington in the Oscar-nominated film Cry Freedom (1987), based on the posthumous book by Biko's friend, anti-apartheid journalist Donald Woods.
- Interred at Ginsberg Cemetery in King William's Town, South Africa. The cemetery was renamed the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance (1997).
- His son Samora was named after the first Mozambican president, Samora Machel.
- Initially studied at the University of Natal as a medical student but was barred from further study as a result of poor academic performance.
- Apartheid -- both petty and grand -- is obviously evil. Nothing can justify the arrogant assumption that a clique of foreigners has the right to decide on the lives of majority.
- The basic tenet of black consciousness is that the black man must reject all value systems that seek to make him a foreigner in the country of his birth and reduce his basic human dignity.
- The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.
- It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die.
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