The Johnson C. Smith University political science department will host a symposium on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Black Panther activist Fred Hampton.
The event, entitled “I Am Still A Revolutionary,” is meant to introduce college students to, and reacquaint others with, the life of Hampton.
Fred Hampton was a prolific organizer and leader of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP). Under his leadership, the Chicago chapter established community service programs that provide food, health care and clothing to the African American community. He also negotiated a ceasefire among some of Chicago’s notorious street gangs and influenced many of them to join the BPP through his Rainbow Coalition efforts.
On December 4, 1969, the Chicago Panther headquarters was attacked by the Chicago police department. During the attack, Hampton and Mark Clark were killed. Years later it was revealed in a United States Senate Intelligence Committee investigation that Hampton’s bodyguard, William O’Neal, was a FBI agent who, days before the raid, had delivered an apartment floor-plan to the Bureau with an “X” marking Hampton’s bed.
Despite Hampton’s death 40 years ago, his legend still lingers in the contemporary black activism and social justice efforts worldwide. At the age of 22, Hampton had developed a staunch distaste for injustice and oppression everywhere.
The symposium will address four major themes: The Life, Legacy & Lessons of Fred Hampton; Political Prisoners & Social Justice; Student Activism & Leadership in the Hip-Hop Generation; Black Liberation and Social Justice. Each theme will be addressed as panel discussions and informal talks by activists, scholars and students.
The day will end with a film showing of “Bastards of the Party,” followed by a discussion.
IF YOU WANT TO GO:
DATE: Dec. 4, 2009
TIME: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
LOCATION: JCSU student union
COST: Free
For more information, contact one of the symposium organizers below:
Joseph L. Jones, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
704-378-1192
Kelly Harris, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
704-378-1097
Carmen Walker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
704-378-1095
