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Steve Biko

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Steve Biko
Ambria Miller Dr. Davidson English

3-4-15 Steve Biko

Who was Steve Biko? I had never even heard of him. So why is he famous? It turns out he made a difference and was a huge Icon in South Africa. He led many organizations for the coloreds’ rights in South Africa and was an inspiration to all. Bantu Stephen Biko was born on December 18th, 1946, in King William’s Town, South Africa. Which is now known as The Eastern Cape Province. He was involved in politics at a young age, which led to him being expelled for his activism. In 1966, Biko enrolled in St. Francis College in KawaZulu- Natal. Afterwards he attended the University of Natal Medical School. That is where he became involved in the National Union of South African Students; which from my understanding is an organization to improved colored citizens’ rights. He actually co-founded the South African Students’ Organization. This was an organization that focused on the resistance of apartheid. Biko also lead the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, later becoming the SASO’s president in 1969. He was expelled once again. He was expelled from the University of Natal because of his involvement in politics in 1976; co-finding another colored activist group the same year of his expulsion. He later became the leader. This group became the main organization for the black people’s convention (BMC).

He wasn’t allowed to talk to the media or write and speak publicly. Therefore, he and the members of the SASA had to work undercover. He afterwards created the Zimele Trust Fund. It helped to aid political prisoners and their families.

Although he seemed super occupied with politics and colored rights, he had a family as well. He was married to Ntsiki Mashalaba in 1970. They ended up having two sons together. Their names were Nkosinathi and Samora. I’m not quite sure if he got remarried, but he had children with multiple women. One was Mamphela Ramphle. She was a member of the Black Consciousness

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