A picture is certainly worth a thousand words. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than by taking a moment to acknowledge the snapshots of time that represent the struggle and triumph of African-Americans through the years?
As part of our Black History Month coverage, we will be featuring one photo a day that honors years of groundbreaking achievements within the black community. These photos bring tears to our eyes, instill pride in our hearts and motivate us to carry on the legacy of strength and perseverance.
Today's photo was taken in September, 1970, showing Black Panther co-founder Huey P. Newtown speaking at the Revolutionary People's Party Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
As an integral part of the Black Power Movement, the Black Panthers aimed to improve life in black communities and fight police brutality in African-American neighborhoods. The organization's militaristic style made headlines and attracted a lot of attention, as a stark contrast to forms of nonviolent civil disobedience in the past.
In 1967, Newton was arrested for allegedly murdering an Oakland police officer. He was later charged with voluntary manslaughter and sentence to two to 15 years in prison. However, public pressure from the "Free Huey" campaign eventually resulted in Newton's release after two retrials resulted in hung juries.
In 1989, he was killed by a member of another militant group, but like many leaders in the past, Newton spoke prophetically about his fate.
“My fear was not of death itself, but a death without meaning.”
Take a look at the photo and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
