The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution

I've been watching this over and over these last few weeks. It's by far the best documentary on The Black Panther Party that I've ever seen! Many people have a misconception of the Party, believing that it was a terrorist, criminal, and anti-white organization. In truth, the BPP was an anti-oppression organization that wanted freedom and equality for everyone. A chapter of the Party created the original Rainbow Coalition. Many Caucasians supported their cause, marching and protesting with them; others of them were big names in Hollywood.They organized the free breakfast program before the government, which we know now is national. They had several survival programs, including a free clothing drive, and it's worth mentioning because they did not cover this in the documentary. However, the Panthers also opened a school in Oakland, which still exists today.In addition to highlighting the best times, covering the worst was inevitable. They showed documentation of Hoover's concerns and efforts to destroy the Party. A federal agent even suggested that the Bureau manipulated the police departments across the country into thinking the BPP were extremists and terrorists. It's very informative and smears the allegations of the Panthers as being only a militant force. And the militancy was for self-defense purposes!My only problem with this film was how they portrayed Huey P. Newton, PhD., founder of the Party. They painted him to be an insane, violent, uncaring thug, and addict. He was SO MUCH MORE. He was pushed through school without knowing how to read, later teaching himself, and working his way through college, earning a Bachelor's degree. He attended law school and knew it well; he wrote several books, and later earned his doctorate in Santa Cruz. More than any other Panther member, Dr. Huey was the most defamed and slandered.In one of his last interviews, he said there were approximately 1 million pages of FBI documents on him alone. He suffered about 30 illegal break-ins. The Bureau falsified statements and did everything they could to discredit and destroy him. In many ways, they succeeded. At his core, Dr. Huey was a brilliant visionary, an intellectual whose goal was to bring about change in the government so all people, especially the oppressed, could be free. He LOVED THE PEOPLE!He was a sensitive, timid soul, and he deserves far better graces than he receives - even to this day. Much like Brother Minister Malcolm X, Huey P. Newton, PhD. is one of the most misunderstood leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. They didn't display a pretty picture of the truth because it is often ugly. The abominable truth gets things done, and that's what we need.I encourage anyone unfamiliar with Dr. Huey, especially to find interviews and articles on him. Read his books. He, along with the Party, had an undying love for humanity. If you haven't already, WATCH THIS! It's worth it. All Power to the People! Peace and Freedom to the World!

The history we're not taught. It is a must see for anyone interested in the history of the Black Panthers, the federal government, and American misconception.

I have always been aware that the stories we are told on many issues are usually misleading, especially racial issues. We are fed what the government want us to believe. I thought until last year that the black panther party was only pro black, and that they hated white people, which is definitely understandablif they did, the hate was more than earned. the truth of things,tho, is so important for all poor and middle class Americans to know and understand. We have been divided on purpose and fed propaganda bc united, all people in solidarity,would be hard for the government to shutdown. Divided over race, we fall, we can't see the real enemy bc we are focused on the people who look different, not knowing we are all suffering injustices from the same enemy. This documentary makes so clear the cold hearted intentions of government to silence a movement to unity. Imagine if Fred Hampton had not been murdered at 21 years old, a revolution was coming that could've changed so much for all people, arainbow coalition with all the power to all the people.... powerful

Should be shown in Civics...:0 I know we don't teach that anymore. Absolute a goldmine documentary! I was born in 1955, the BPP already had it's zenith when I was in teens, but the momentum and effects were still strong and a buoy of hope that kept so many on the wave . I am proud of these radicals and lovers of mankind for having the courage to stand up against the oppression that remains even today. The energetic idea formed and remains forever: Power to the People because the key to human progress is us, not the current fake leaders and corporations that cast their unfortunate plans upon the weak and helpless of society, who have now sought to turn free speech into thought crime. The Black Panthers put intentions into action and caused many wonderful changes to take place. Of course there were failures too, but we must learn from our mistakes. Eternal vigilance we need a grassroots movement like BPP today to continue keeping the oppressors on guard, we are not free yet and especially people of color are extremely dis-empowered and like all mis or under represented at the highest levels of govt. Why is this? White supremacy and American Exeptionalism are two diseases we must find a cure for immediately if not sooner. As you are reading this Pres Trump may have already attacked Iran or invaded Venuzuela

This PBS documentary is so informative and sad. It details how the FBI had the Chicago Police slaughter several party members.

My son ordered. I watched and enjoyed it.

fast delivery good watch

I have used this documentary in class while teaching for several years and my students have always learned so much from it. It is thought provoking and poignant. The students always walked away with questions that lead to some in-depth research which was always the goal. It introduces content in such a way that is insightful and raw. The first hand accounts of incidents brings to life to the students that this stuff is not only still relevant, but warrants deep discussion. Pair this with a viewing guide and you have a full day of learning and questioning that could be supplemented with more docs and reading materials.

Glad to see that this documentary is released in HD.A great restoration of the Black Panther's party history. Some may argue that there is historical information missing from this piece BUT it is well researched and yet does not try to be neutral or 'objective'. The filmmaker (Stanley Nelson Jr.) definitely takes his side which I personally very much respect and appreciate. I viewed the film at the cinema and I couldn't wait to watch it again. Great work.

absolutely fascinating documentary

NO COMMENT !.....

Good overview of the rise and fall of the Panter movment against the backround of social issues in America in the 60s and 70s.

Great historical facts