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.