01 Nov Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party

Bobby Seale, Speaking at the NAABPP 45th Anniversary

It rivaled the days of old political education classes and transcended those days DSC4739in Oakland and elsewhere where comrades and community supporters gathered on common ground. Participants at the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Black Panther Party in Philadelphia, had the opportunity to see and listen, laugh and cry, reflect and project, as the National Alumni Association of the Black Panther Party (NAABPP) hosted this historical and festive event.

On Friday, October 28th, NAABPP President, Sultan Ahmad, of the Philadelphia BPP Chapter, opened the General Membership meeting at the Hilton Hotel. There, the efforts leading to the 45th reunion and anniversary celebration were outlined, beginning with the outcomes during a business retreat of comrades in Oakland that prior November, 2010. We were brought up to date regarding the progress of the NAABPP with reports from the membership, organizational structure, finance and communications committee chairpersons, as they addressed the alacrity and cohesion needed to bring the 45th reunion to its successful fruition. With introductions aside, several pending and forthcoming issues were addressed, which set the stage for the evening’s gala dinner, awards banquet, speeches and entertainment.

That evening, as anticipated, the reception and outpouring of people, BPP comrades, supporters, family and friends, was indeed a testament to the longevity of the ideas and ideal of the Black Panther Party. Sister Nzinga of the Baltimore BPP Chapter, welcomed the packed room with libations offered to the ancestors and to fallen BPP comrades, and to those who had given in the struggles for civil and human rights. NAABPP President Sultan Ahmad moved the moment along as the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble performed, the Impact Repertory Theatre Group and Jamal Josephs of the New York Chapter doing the commentary, along with a ridge-runnin’, stump-jumpin’ performance by DJ NT Productions.

And what is any Panther gathering without messages to the people? Former Illinois BPP Chapter Deputy Minister of Defense, and now a long term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Bob Rush, wound through the history of the BPP in Chicago, the murders of Fred Hampton, Mark Clark, and the contributions of comrades and communities during that period. Rush told the audience that voters, “Knew they were getting a panther when they voted”. He explained that the people of Chicago voted for survival. From panther to congressman, who would have believed that would happen, and then to stand before a grass-roots based gathering, and still declare his commitment to serving the people.

The finale had to also be part of the beginning. And it was Bobby Seale, co-founder and Chairman of the Black Panther Party, who summarized the history and struggles of the BPP and the tasks and trials that still lay ahead. With Anecdotes that told of his and Huey P. Newton’s encounters in Oakland, the changes and transitions within the BPP, like an old time African storyteller, Seale weaved a path of the experiences and histories that effected and still impact black and poor people, and like minded oppressed people around the world. With Bobby Seale winding down the evening recounting the legacy of the Black Panther Party, Sultan Ahmad reached the audience once more and reminded everyone that the BPP and the NAABPP were and are only the beginnings and continuations of the people’s struggle, and that for now and for our future, there is still…UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

On Saturday, October 29th, three workshops set the tone for the day. Children of panthers and the new struggles that exist was the theme of the ‘Next Generation’ panel discussion. The ‘Abuse of Power’ Panel was next, and brought exchanges regarding traditional politics and the system of repression that has confronted black and poor people. The final panel addressed ‘Political Prisoners’ held here in America and around the world. During the course of the panel, comrade ‘Bullwhip’ from the New York BPP Chapter connected with long held BPP member and political prisoner, Mumia Abu Jamal via telephone, live from death row. The short 15 to 20 minute exchange between Mumia and audience participants excited those called out questions and encouragement or spoke directly to on of our imprisoned comrades whose case has achieved international support.

The 45th Anniversary BPP Celebration officially wound down at the present location of the SJA Community Foundation in North Philadelphia. With comrades, community supporters and a plethora of input, Sultan Ahmad hosted one final event. A picnic type dinner and gathering, with people sharing and attempting to catch up on gaps between the times they had last seen or communicated with each other, or to acquaint themselves with those they had not even met. With artwork and photos on display throughout the building, the scenes slipped away until it was time for BPP Minister of Culture, Emory Douglas, to present both a visual and narrative commentary of his historical revolutionary artwork. Emory has traveled around the world as a guest lecturer and presenter, as he, his artwork and the history of the Black Panther have become synonymous throughout the world with peoples’ struggle. Emory’s low profile and engaging style highlighted not only his art, but his grasp of the conditions of those he encountered during his travels. The gifts that Emory has shared with comrades and the world were ideal for such a closing of the NAABPP hosted Black Panther Party anniversary. If there is ever an ambassador from the BPP to represent the Black Panther Party, Emory would be, and probably is, an undeniable candidate and choice.

The events leading to the founding of the Black Panther Party and the culmination of the 45th Anniversary Celebration are all stepping stones to what lies ahead for the continued survival and liberation of Black and poor oppressed people. Though there was a celebratory mood, times to agree and disagree, there is a sign down the road for all who shared or missed the events. Regardless of our achievements, peaks, plateaus, or falls, the masses of black and poor oppressed people are not able to venture onto the basic avenues that lead to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are still…on a mission…don’t miss the sign up ahead, it’s there, right in front of us, it still reads…UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

Steve D. McCutchen/Lil’ Masai
BPP/Baltimore/Oakland