For my next four blog entries I wanted to show the four parts of a Film compiled completely of old footage (no narration, etc.) that documents the life and murder of Chairman Fred Hampton, the Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Chairman Fred was a Revolutionary in every sense of the word whose message and ideals have been forgotten by many today (or simply are unknown). Hampton was murdered (assassinated) by chicago police and FBI agents. After forcing their way into the BPP headquarters in Chicago he was shot in the back of the head after being shot in the arm while he was sleeping with his pregnant wife (the video will go over the differing accounts of how it went down). I would be curious to hear peoples reaction on a personal level, political level, and as viewing these videos & speeches through a free speech lens. Chairman Fred is someone who should get more press during this month, but wont, so this is my attempt at helping to get his story and message out to the public. Respect & Revolution.
3 comments:
Dear THC,
Mr. Fred Hampton and the BPP introduced the Breakfast for Children program. All of us, especially the young African Americans should learn about him that the children across the United States are now served breakfast and lunch in public schools because Fred and the BPP started it. BPP did it for reasons not all of which are shared by the public school system. I think it just helps to point this out. And I agree with you about Fred Hampton. But unfortunately, in life there are so many unsung heroes that nobody knows about. People just do good things for others just because...
The concept and reality of a "Rainbow Coalition" didn't originate with Jesse Jackson. Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party built a "Rainbow Coalition" in Chicago composed of African Americans, Latinos, and white organizations (The BPP, the Young Lords, the Young Patriots, SDS). We can use such a coalition in the country today. The example set by Fred can help us build it. It's good to know the contributions and struggles of the African Americans in the past. If we know our past, it can help us direct our future.
thanks for sharing - I had never heard of him before your blogs and really knew little about the BP organization. I am always interested in learning more about people who did heroic things even when it meant risking their own lives. It's a shame that stories like this are sometimes buried in the news and don't make our history classes. Controversial people like this are great discussion starters.
I agree, thanks for sharing. Fred Hampton is someone I had never really heard about or read about. I think this is especially relevant to our discussions about free speech.
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