By: Serena Edwards
During Black History Month, schools teach the same stories every year, but never dive deeper into the truth of Black history. Black activists have been around for centuries advocating for their rights and the rights of others.
An activist known for their commitment to unity was Fred Hampton. Fred Hampton introduced conversations of inclusion in environments that were built on division and exclusivity. In the divisive times we are in now, Hampton’s socialist tactics could help unify communities instead of dividing,
In order to understand the importance of Hampton, you have to also understand the Black Panther Party (BPP) and its mission. As previously spoken about in the Vanguard, the BPP was a political party whose mission was to liberate individuals and bring equality into the Black community. Their focus was primarily on the Black community; however, the BPP’s efforts and programs supported every community it could reach.
Hampton served in the Chicago chapter of the BPP, and many of the morals and missions he advocated for were focused on uniting marginalized communities.
His famous speech “I am a revolutionary” addresses tactics to fight internal conflicts.
“We will work with anybody and form a coalition with anybody who has revolution on their mind,” expressed Hampton.
He famously assisted in forming a coalition called the “Rainbow Coalition”. This coalition combined different groups from all demographics, including members of the Hispanic and Latino, Asian, and White communities, along with Black members.
“We understand racism is an excuse used for capitalism; we know that racism is a by-product of capitalism,” stated Hampton.
Hampton was assassinated by the FBI in 1969 in a premeditated attack. His chapter of the BPP was infiltrated by the FBI’s Counter-Intelligence Program. The FBI blackmailed a member named Billie O’Neal to assist in the chapter being raided and ultimately in Hampton’s assassination.
O’Neal served as an informant to the FBI in exchange for not being incarcerated. This eventually leads to Hampton’s home being infiltrated and Hampton being shot 90 times while asleep. But before his death, he continued fighting for equity for all.
O’Neal spoke in an interview years after Hampton’s murder, exposing the truth of what happened. In one of Hampton’s speeches, he says that he knows his cause of death would not be from sickness but from the change he is implementing in society.
“I believe that I’m going to be able to die doing the things I was born for. I believe that I’m going to be able to die high off the people. I believe that I will be able to die as a revolutionary in the international revolutionary proletarian struggle,” said Hampton.
Everything in Hampton’s mission was for humanity, no matter who you are.
He emphasized that there is a price for liberation, and we as people can produce it through effort and hard work.
“You have to understand that people have to pay the price for peace. If you dare to struggle, you dare to win. If you dare not struggle, then you don’t deserve to win. Let me say peace to you if you’re willing to fight for it,” stated Hampton.
Through the rampant division of the people within the United States, Hampton took that division and brought people together under the topic of peace, allowing a space for everyone to be heard. He entered spaces that in today’s society wouldn’t have crossed many people’s minds.
Hampton’s legacy lives on, with his story being told in movies such as “Judas and the Black Messiah”. The biopic put his legacy at the forefront. Released in 2021, the film was reflective of its time, as the rise of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement were both on the rise. The BLM movement was prominent and radiated Hampton’s message of power to the people. Though Hampton’s story ended, Hampton’s courage and yearning for community are what made him unique. His passion for humanity and the fight against all oppression is needed now more than ever. There have been many groups, such as the “Black Lion Party,” that have been assisting in bringing back the BPP and letting the Hampton legacy live on.
Hampton’s efforts to unify every community are the energy that is needed in society today. We must fight for unity for all groups and not let our racial differences divide us
Hampton wants his legacy to live on in the world of activism.
“I don’t want myself on your mind if you’re not going to work for the people.”