Huey Newton
Huey Newton
Huey Newton was an American political activist, revolutionary, and co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1942 and raised in Oakland, California, Newton grew up experiencing systemic racism and poverty, which shaped his political consciousness. In 1966, alongside Bobby Seale, he founded the Black Panther Party, advocating for African American self-defense, community empowerment, and social justice during the civil rights era.
As Minister of Defense for the Black Panther Party, Newton developed the organization’s Ten-Point Program, which addressed issues such as police brutality, housing, education, and economic inequality. While his leadership brought national attention to the movement, his life was also marked by legal troubles and government surveillance through COINTELPRO. Despite controversies, he remained a symbol of resistance and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Known for his powerful words, Huey Newton once said, "You can jail a revolutionary, but you can’t jail the revolution." He also declared, "The first lesson a revolutionary must learn is that he is a doomed man." These quotes reflect his unwavering commitment to the struggle for justice, his courage in the face of adversity, and his belief that ideas and movements outlive individuals.