This week while looking at the protests around the country, I thought of the Black Panthers, how powerful, strong, and courageous they were. These brilliant men and women, most of them teenagers, had a program, a mission, and the fearlessness to carry it forward. I wondered what happened to the women. We are always happy to see Angela, happy, alive, and free, but what about the other Mothers of the Movement?

 

Where are Elaine Brown, Kathleen Cleaver, Assata Shakur, Denise Oliver-Velez, and Ericka Huggins today?

 

I found them.  They are alive, well, blooming. Still raising their voices for justice!

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I enjoyed listening to the wisdom of the women and wondered why we are not hearing from them today.

They have much to teach us.  

 

 I will be highlighting four of these "Revolutionaries Petunias"

Comrades Elaine Brown, Kathleen Cleaver, Ericka Huggins, Denise Oliver-Velez, and Assata Shakur

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Below are some resources providing background on Women in the Black Panther Party.  

 

Black Panthers at 50: What was the role of women in the Black Panther Party?

Women in the Black Panther Party: A Discussion In the Wake of Huey Newton's Death

Women In The Black Panther Party: A Roundtable Discussion

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