text: what the hero said? what did steve biko say? hero steve biko 1946 -1977  bantu steven biko was born on 18 december 1946 in ginsberg, a township outside king william's town (near east london, south africa). thirty years later, he was dead after being severely beaten while in police custody. biko, best known of the leaders of the black consciousness movement, is regarded as one of the greatest martyrs of the anti-apartheid struggle.  what he said:  "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".  steve biko, black consciousness - a quest for a true humanity.