Past in Perspective.

Bantu Stephen Biko, widely known as Steve Biko was born on Dec. 18, 1946, in King William's Town, South Africa. Biko was the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement. Discontent over the racial segregation that was widespread when he was coming of age, In 1968, Biko co-founded the all-black South African Students' Organization (SASO) in 1968. He was the first president of the group. The organisation was based on Biko's understanding of the relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed. Biko famously said, 'The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.'

SASO, under Biko's guidance, encouraged people to recognise their self-worth and...