Week 4: Black Power (Part I)

 

Reading guide

This week is an introduction to the Black Power movement. It’s a good idea to

read the selections from Huey P. Newton’s autobiography first

. (upload )There are a handful of chapters, and I’d advise you to read them in order.

Watch two episodes of Eyes on the Prize (see below). The first is about Malcolm X, and the second is about the Black Panther Party (BPP). Please also watch the episodes in order, noting Malcolm X’s influence on the founding of the BPP. I’d like you to think critically about the set of practices laid out by the BPP and how they addressed the need for systemic change in the United States. Some questions to keep in mind as you work through this week’s materials:

• What were the specific historical and environmental conditions that gave rise to the Black Power movement?
• What was Malcolm X’s influence on the founders and the philosophy of the Black Panther Party (BPP)?
• What did Huey P. Newton mean by “patrolling”? 
• What was the role of education in the BPP?

Logistical notes

• The assigned readings are chapters from Huey Newton’s autobiography, Revolutionary Suicide (1973).  A full text of book I already upload.
• Learn more about the history of the Seattle Chapter of The Black Panther Party: https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/BPP.htm

 

Readings & Films

• selections from Revolutionary Suicide (1973) ( upload )