In this episode of UpFront Cat Brooks and Mitch Jeserich honor the upcoming 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California. They play excerpts from the documentary The Black Panthers: Vanguard Of The Revolution, directed by Stanley Nelson (2015) and discuss the current situation of constant police shootings against black bodies across the country.
About the film:
The Black Panthers: Vanguard Of The Revolution is the first feature length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails. The film weaves a treasure trove of rare archival footage with the voices of the people who were there: police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters and detractors, and Black Panthers who remained loyal to the party and those who left it. It is an essential history and a vibrant chronicle of this pivotal movement that birthed a new revolutionary culture in America.
KPFA, thank you again for celebrating Bay Area History and The Black Panthers 50th. For those who have not read it , the book, SIEZE THE TIME by Bobby Seale is a very well-written book with a well-detailed account behind many of the historic milestones of The Black Panther Party. It’s also important not to forget TODAY 20 October (Although 20/22 cited per wiki) Mr. Bobby Seale will be celebrating his 80h birthday. Happy birthday Mr. Seale and thanks to KPFA for continued excellence in broadcasting!