ALL POWER TO THE (YOUNG) PEOPLE!!!!
It was a beautiful day and a GREAT DAY, and also profoundly sad for supporters of Bobby Hutton Day today in West Oakland. Melvin Dixson of The Commemorator Newspaper was there, along with Artist/Photographer Billy X, World renowned Artist, Emory Douglas, Bobby Hutton's Sister, cousin, and the Heart and Soul of Bobby Hutton Day and the Bobby Hutton Memorial, Joyce Hutton, as well as many other grass roots luminaries and volunteers who kept the participants well stocked with food, refreshments, treats, information, love, brotherhood, respect and solidarity.
The event was held in the community room of the West Oakland Library at DeFremery (Little Bobby Hutton) Park. Featured prominently on the stage was an empty wicker chair for the spirit of Bobby (made world famous by Huey P. Newton, and reduxe by Funkadelic), and a Panther adorned with flowers. There was a bounty of food and articles for sale, from button's, t-shirts ("Don't Hate! Educate!"), posters, newspapers, articles, photographs, etc.
There were many children present, including my own, Joyce Hutton's and other future leaders of the struggle. It was very profound to think that even some of the youngest children in attendance were less than 10 years younger than Lil' Bobby Hutton was when he was the first member of The Panther's and treasurer.
EMORY DOUGLAS EDUCATED THE CROWD
After the inspirational words of the tireless Joyce Hutton, Billy X jumped on the mike and brought a deep realism to the days events, recounting Bobby's life, his energy and the importance of maintaining and in particular to extend his legacy as an example to all young Black men as an example of the value one can find in their life through a worthy cause. Bobby was 16 when he became the 1st member and youngest member of The Black Panthers. Once again, only in an organization that truly recognizes the importance of passion and where value is placed upon the individual and especially youth, could a 16 year old be a major part of an internationally recognized liberation movement
Emory Douglas' speech took us far and wide, beginning with the youthful vigor and seriousness of Bobby Hutton, and the fact that he still maintained his youth, while being able to be "deathly" serious in the execution of his duties. It's a wonderful thing that the heavyweights of the party are still out, still vigorous, youthful and as committed as ever to extending the important message of Bobby Hutton's life and his murder by The Oakland Police.
Emory also talked about his travels through Europe, the current day relevance of The Panthers and the worldwide fascination with Bobby Hutton, who at such a young age, sat at the crossroads of history, arm and arm with Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Kathleen Cleaver, Stokeley Carmichael and other Black Luminaries and liberationists. Emory gave an excellent and very generous talk and shared his time beautifully.
The remarks made by blackpantherblvd.com reflected on the fact that The Panther's did more for the Black Community than the entire U.S. government and set a world wide example of peaceful revolution which was unprecedented at the time, and has also served as a blueprint for thousands of grassroots actions for oppressed peoples throughout the world.
The bottom line is The Panthers are the "real" what's happening. Barack Obama, Barbara Lee, Ron Dellums, Al Sharpton and all those other guys wouldn't be possible if The Panther's hadn't sacrificed themselves and fought this government to a draw. That is not to say The Panther's are the "be all end all". What I'm saying is, that beginning with the first group of slaves brought to Jamestown in 1619, to this present day, there has been an unbroken string of unbroken brother's and sisters who have stepped forward to continue the legacy of Black Liberation and world liberation from oppression. To a large extent, The Black Panthers are holding the torch. Barack has grabbed it and hundreds of thousands of Blacks are continually grabbing it, to keep the dream alive.
"The Dream" wasn't just Martin's, it was the dream of the very first African who became conscious in Africa, to give birth to children who would forever remain free. It was "The Dream" of the first enslaved Africans who bore children into slavery, to one day see their children, arm in arm and free with the children of the oppressor.
The "Dream" will never change and forever and always be The Dream. Can there be any other?
It's a tremendous privilege to be a part of Blackpantherblvd.com and to have the opportunity to share the same air, water, food and sun as Oakland's original Black Panthers. May Bobby Hutton and all The Panther's who died in the struggle, never be forgotten!!
THE RELEVANCE OF THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY CAN NEVER BE LOST IN THIS DAY AND AGE.
1. JUST THIS WEEK, former Black Panther member MUMIA ABU JAMAL'S case went before The Supreme Court.
Democracy Now, files A REPORT ON MUMIA ABU JAMAL: The Supreme Court yesterday rejected an appeal by Mumia Abu Jamal and his lawyers for a new trial. The former member of the Black Panther Party and award winning radio journalist has remained on Pennsylvaniaês death row ever since his conviction in 1982 for the murder of a white Philadelphia policeman Daniel Faulkner. In letting the conviction stand, the High Court dismissed without comment Abu-Jamalês claim that the composition of his jury improperly excluded African-Americans.
2. There's an APRIL 12th article citing The Panther's in WORKERS WORLD ONLINE.
3. Just last month, former Japanese, Black Panther Party member Richard Aoki passed away. May he Rest In Peace.
4. The New York Times book review, "THE ROCK AND THE RIVER" BY Kekla Magoon. A story about two son's of a civil rights leader are drawn into the working of The Black Panthers:
5. KENT FORD, founder of the Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party will be speaking at Pacific University, Oregon at the Taylor Auditorium, April 14th, 7-8:30pm. He will be talking about his experience with the party and the plight of his son, PATRICE LUMUMBA FORD, one of the Portland 7.
6. last, but not least, ANGELA DAVIS spoke at Missouri University about the difference between human and civil rights:
7.One love, Peace Be Unto You!
-BLACKPANTHERBLVD.COM
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