The Black Panthers

I did not live during their heyday, but this book provides an interesting overview of the organization. Their goals jarred American society--then in the Cold War--because it required the concession that a democracy was not treating everybody fairly. Furthermore successfully winning the war for civil rights was not as simple as African Americans and other historically marginalized communities intergrating into the status quo. A whole new society had to be built following a LARGE overhaul of the status quo. A strength of the Black Panther Party was that it encouraged these disadvantaged communities to step up to the plate--and assume responsibilitity for taking care of themselves. Raising the ire of then-FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, several of the ten point directives ironically would today be more likely to place the Black Panther Party as proponents of welfare reform--if not dismantlement. They believed in giving people a hand up as opposed to a hand out. But then Chairman Huey P. Newton attempted to build alliances with 'the women and the gays'. Encouraging Party members to recognize how their own stereotypes undercut a successful creation of the revolutionary society, this directive sharply contrasted with most mainstream 'ultra macho' representations of the Party. Newton's plan remains all the more radical today when some people attempt to sell out these communities.

Stephen Shames' The Black Panthers provides some very powerful and insightful documentary images of the Black Panther Party. Shames served as their official photographer- and was actually close to publishing this book decades ago until convicted felon and Vice President Spiro Agnew told his golf buddy (and publishing honcho) that he best not publish any such book. This book also serves to remind us how our government first denigrates, infiltrates and then obliterates any political movement committed to the direct service of its people and community.

While the visual study The Black Panthers could've been profiled in our Arts or Photography sections, it's reviewed here because no serious collection of titles on social issues and 1960s American history should be without it. The foundation of the coverage is black and white photos by Stephen Shames, which have taken nearly forty years to appear in book form. Shames was involved with the Panthers since a student at UC-Berkeley: his photos thus document the party from an insider's viewpoint, not your usual outsider's journalistic documentary approach, offering candid and rare glimpses behind the scenes. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

First off peace to all those panthers that are still living and fighting for freedom (FREE ASSATA SHAKUR!!!!!!!!). This book is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Has great historical value, unseen articles and never before seen pictures of the panthers. I was looking for a christmas present for my brothers and it looks like I found it!!!!!!! I love my people and my history and recommend this book for anyone who wants to enrich their book collection or enlighten someone in the dark.

I've always collected books & things on the Black Panthers. the Panthers were a Powerful movement & they made a strong impact. this Book captures the Images & elements that made the Black Panthers a Powerful force. hard to beleive it's been 40 years since the Black Panthers first emerged. Props to Bobby Seale & RIP to Huey P.Newton. this Book takes you behind the scenes & showcases so much more. a Must have.