WHO IS HUEY NEWTON?

Huey P. Newton is an American political activist, and one of two men behind the Black Panther Party.

Huey’s name, which was given by his father, is named after politician Huey P. Long. Huey P. Long was an

active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Huey

Newton’s mother and father were also involved with the NAACP, as they worked with the organization

through the church. At 19 years old, Huey attended Merritt College in Oakland, where he would join the

Afro-American Association and help endorse Black history courses in the curriculum. At this college, he

would also befriend a man named Bobby Seale. Five years later, in 1966, Huey and Bobby formed the

Black Panther Party, as a response to the racial injustice and police brutality in Oakland neighborhoods.

Huey was heavily influenced by civil rights activist Malcolm X, as he was another strong leader who

believed in protecting his people. The purpose of this party was not only to patrol, but protect Black

residents from racism at the hands of the police. Huey would patrol the cities of Oakland, but this often led

to conflicts and fatal shootouts with the police. Internationally, this party gained the support of many

countries such as China, Algeria, and the United Kingdom. This party would continue to grow for years,

with multiple Black Panther parties forming in states across the US. Unfortunately, in 1986, Huey was shot

and killed during a conflict with a member of a rival gang. Huey was a fearless and revolutionary man

who fought for change in his community. Despite his death, his message still inspires people to take action

today, and it will live forever.