Huey P. Newton

Description: (Political Activist, Revolutionary Leader and Co-Founder of the ‘Black Panther Party’)

Huey Percy Newton was a revolutionary political activist who co-founded the Black Panther Party along with Bobby Seale. Interest in radical politics came naturally to Newton whose father was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP); in fact, he was named after the radical politician Huey Long who was the former governor of Louisiana. He grew up poor and often found himself the victim of racial discrimination which disgusted him. In spite of attending several public schools, he was never taught anything of value which forced him to self-educate himself. He already began having brushes with the law by the time he was a teenager. He became involved in politics while at college where he met Bobby Seale. The duo formed the Black Panther party with a view to protect the black community from racial attacks and police brutality. The party soon became very popular and had members in several cities throughout the U.S. Newton believed in the use of violence to achieve his means and the party was soon described by the FBI as being a threat to national security. Newton’s life increasingly became embroiled in a cycle of drugs and violence, and he often came into conflict with the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) which ultimately led to his murder at the hands of a BGF member.

Overview

Birthday February 17, 1942 (Aquarius)
Alternative names Huey Percy Newton
Died on August 22, 1989
Spouse/Ex- Fredrika Newton (1984–1989), Gwen Fontaine (1974–1983)
Parents Walter Newton
Armelia Johnson

Did you know

What impact did Huey P. Newton have on the Civil Rights Movement? Huey P. Newton co-founded the Black Panther Party in 1966, which advocated for black self-defense and community empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement.
What were some key beliefs of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party? Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party believed in self-defense, community organizing, and confronting police brutality through armed patrols and community programs.
How did Huey P. Newton's leadership style influence the Black Panther Party? Huey P. Newton's leadership style emphasized grassroots organizing, community outreach, and political education, which helped shape the Black Panther Party's activism.
What was the significance of Huey P. Newton's "Ten-Point Program?" Huey P. Newton's "Ten-Point Program" outlined the Black Panther Party's goals, including demands for employment, housing, education, and an end to police brutality, inspiring activism and advocacy.
How did Huey P. Newton's legacy impact future social justice movements? Huey P. Newton's legacy as a revolutionary thinker and activist continues to inspire social justice movements, particularly in advocating for racial equality, self-determination, and community empowerment.
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