Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in the subject of History at the University of South Africa. This thesis includes chapters on Black Consciousness, Black Theology of Liberation and the World Council of Churches; The National Union of South African Students and the South African Students Organisation; Steve Biko and his influence on the activities of the Black Consciousness Movement; Women and the Black Consciousness Movement; Biko's death and the Inquest; The Liberal Reaction to the Biko Inquest; Epilogue as a Universal political figure