03 Aug The Transition of Christina ‘Chuckles’ May

(October 20, 1949 – January 29, 2014)

On February 15, 2014, Illinois Chapter members of the Black Panther Party joined others on the south-side of Chicago to celebrate the life and spirit of one of our comrades, Christina D. May, who made her transition January 29, 2014, in Mexico.

Christina May, whom we affectionately called “Chuckles” joined the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party in October 1968. Chuckles, like many others, may have been inspired to join the Panther Party after hearing our Deputy Chairman, Fred Hampton, speak. Clearly, her commitment to be a member of the vanguard party and servant of the people was greater than her ambition then to graduate from the University of Illinois, where she was studying.

The leaders of our Chapter quickly recognized Chuckles’ self-discipline, intelligence, and strong will when they appointed her, in 1968, the Illinois Chapter’s Deputy Minister of Culture. In that position, she also became a member of the Chapter’s decision-making body – the Central Staff.

We will remember her military fatigues, combat boots, and her slim cigars. But most of all, we’ll remember her loyalty to the Black Panther Party – from 1968 to 1971 – her fearlessness, and, always, her love for the people.

Thank you to Yvonne King and Billy ‘Che’ Brooks for the obituary and photo. The Beat Goes On!