In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Black Panther Party, some of the founders talk about its origins. Topics include fighting oppression and police brutality and protesting the disarmament of the black community in California. They also talk about the many personalities in the early days and their efforts to gain universal health care and decent education and housing in black communities, and about the efforts to free founder Huey Newton from jail. After their presentations, the participants respond to audience members' questions. Fredrika Newton is the widow of Huey P. Newton
Bio
Elaine Brown
Elaine Brown, the daughter of a dress factory worker, was born in Philadelphia on 2nd March, 1943. Brown attended the Thaddeus Stevens School of Practice and Philadelphia High School for Girls. After a brief period at Temple University, Brown found employment at the Philadelphia Electric Company.
Dr. Finnie D. Coleman
African American Studies Director, University of New Mexico
Coleman was formerly an assistant professor of English and assistant director of the Office of Honors Programs at Texas A&M University.
David Hilliard
David Hilliard was one of the first members of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and became chief of staff of the organization. Hilliard was arrested in January, 1968, for passing out leaflets at Oakland Technical High School. When Huey Newton was arrested in September, 1968, Hilliard took over the command of the BPP.
Ericka Huggins
Ericka Huggins currently lectures about the African-American influence on the Human Rights Movement, the Black Panther Paty Community Programs and The Impact of Women Leaders in the Black Panther Party.
Fredrika Newton
Fredrika Newton joined the Black Panther Party as a youth member in 1969. She first met Huey P. Newton in 1970, marrying him eleven years later in 1981. They lived together until Newton's death in 1989 with Ms. Newton establishing the Huey P. Newton Foundation, a non-profit educational organization, in 1993. Serving as the Foundation's President, she operates the community-based programs, which include literacy, voter outreach and health-related components.
I have to say I was rather interested at the point where a black woman in the audience described her experience with the black panthers in the past and mentioned that she didn't join because she was scared and the group seemed so militaristic. My interest came in the response from the panel. It was one of anger and disappointment. Frankly, I'd react the same way, however, I felt there needed to be a little more understand on their part. Not everyone has the will towards joining a group of that caliber and not everyone has to. And judging from how the black panthers were treated, I don't blame the woman for being scared. Not a judgement so much as just me being interested in that part. Regardless of that, I was seriously fascinated with their stories and history regarding the group. I actually didn't know how humanitarian the group was. Hence my understanding why the panel would be so angry at the woman who asked the questions.