Biography

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.