The Young Hero

             "We have set on a quest for true humanity and somewhere on the distant horizon we can see the glittering prize. Let us march forth with courage and determination, drawing strength from our common plight and brotherhood. In time we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest gift possible-a more human face." (Kgokong) This quote said by black rights leader Steven Bantu Biko, sums up his lifelong fight with apartheid, which ultimately led to his death. He became involved with politics early, and continued to fight apartheid throughout his life. Often compared with black rights activists such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., Biko was often protesting, and creating new opportunities for blacks. In his brief life, from the beginning to his horrific death in jail, Biko became a staple in the fight to end apartheid. Aptly called the "most influential young black leader in South Africa" (Burns), Steven Bantu Biko became an existential hero to everyone living under apartheid, especially youths, and died for the sole purpose of bringing justice to the people of South Africa. .
             Steven Bantu Biko was born December 19, 1946 in Kingwilliamstown, a small town 30 miles inland from the Indian Ocean. He was the third son born of Mr. and Mrs. Mzimgay Biko. In 1966, he entered the Medical School at the University of Natel (black section) (Websters Steven). While attending, Biko's eyes were opened to the political world, and the issues of apartheid. Thus began Biko's involvement in the harsh world of civil rights, and his fight to stop the injustice occurring in his own backyard. .
             After a few weeks in the political world, Biko decided to trade in his stethoscope for a selfless life fighting for the total liberation of his people. His first break came in 1968, when he and his medical school colleagues founded the South African Students" Organization (SASO). Biko was elected the organization's first President.