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lunabbly's review
5.0
This is the first time I had heard of Mumia Abu-Jamal and I read it during the summer of 2020 uprisings. It was a humbling read as I learned more and more about how little I knew of true American history.
To say that Mumia Abu-Jamal is a captivating writer would underscore his ability to recount life in the Black Panther Party. He was a founding member of the Philadelphia party and maybe the youngest at the age of 14, all the more reason that I, as a 24 year old Asian American woman, must better understand and know history to be a supportive accomplice with Black folks. I learned about the Watts Rebellion/ Riots that catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement, how Malcolm X was pivotal in the Black Panther ideology and philosophy, and most of all, the militancy that was met with passionate dreams towards liberation.
After reading, I will say that I was more curious to read from a woman in the Black Panther Party because Mumia included a small snippet negating that women were abused and harassed (contrary to how Audre Lorde would say it), and that is the next thing I'll be reading.
To say that Mumia Abu-Jamal is a captivating writer would underscore his ability to recount life in the Black Panther Party. He was a founding member of the Philadelphia party and maybe the youngest at the age of 14, all the more reason that I, as a 24 year old Asian American woman, must better understand and know history to be a supportive accomplice with Black folks. I learned about the Watts Rebellion/ Riots that catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement, how Malcolm X was pivotal in the Black Panther ideology and philosophy, and most of all, the militancy that was met with passionate dreams towards liberation.
After reading, I will say that I was more curious to read from a woman in the Black Panther Party because Mumia included a small snippet negating that women were abused and harassed (contrary to how Audre Lorde would say it), and that is the next thing I'll be reading.
brent94's review
4.0
4.5
While I was anticipating this to be more of a memoir, it read more like a history of the BPP. Nonetheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable work that comes highly recommended!
While I was anticipating this to be more of a memoir, it read more like a history of the BPP. Nonetheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable work that comes highly recommended!
jiujensu's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I highly recommend anything by Mumia Abu Jamal. I remember listening to his broadcsts from prison through Democracy Now probably fairly close to my own political awakening. I've been fascinated by the Black Panthers ever since. I love their leftism, sense of everyone on earth's common humanity, dedication to political education as much as taking care of basic needs like children's breakfast. It also covers the split, which has been at times confusing for me to sort out.
He calls it a failure in its aims, but also recognizes finally its legendary status - and says something like it could rise again.
As he says:
"The Black Panther Party may indeed be history, but the forces that gave rise to it are not. They wait for the proper season to rise again."
He calls it a failure in its aims, but also recognizes finally its legendary status - and says something like it could rise again.
As he says:
"The Black Panther Party may indeed be history, but the forces that gave rise to it are not. They wait for the proper season to rise again."
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