Steve Biko was a South African anti-apartheid activist and a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Born on December 18, 1946, in King William's Town, he advocated for the rights and dignity of black South Africans, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and pride among the black community. Biko's activism led to his arrest in 1977, where he suffered severe police brutality and ultimately died in custody on September 12. His death sparked international outrage and brought greater attention to the injustices of the apartheid system in South Africa, making him a martyr for the anti-apartheid cause.