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Biko, Steve

Biko, Steve (Steven Biko) (bē'kō) [key], 1946–77, South African political leader. A medical student, he founded (1969) a black student organization and developed a national “black consciousness” movement to combat racism and apartheid policies. Arrested in 1977, he died in police custody, prompting international protests and a UN arms embargo. In 1997 five former policemen admitted killing him.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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