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A review by one_more_book
Black Panther Woman: The Political and Spiritual Life of Ericka Huggins by Mary Frances Phillips
4.0
This biography of Ericka Huggins, Black Panther Party member, wife, widow, mother, activist, queer, spiritual wellness practitioner and guide, and prison survivor is the story of a truly dedicated, empowering, "bad-ass" woman. From growing up with an abusive father, to living through Jim Crow, widowhood, and solitary confinement in prison we are introduced to a woman who was a true survivor.
During her imprisonment and later throughout her life, Ericka turned to meditation, yoga, writing, and a multitude of other spiritual wellness practices that saved her and the numerous fellow prisoners she helped. Ericka believed in "community" within both the prison population and the Black Panther Party as keys to survival as she lived to empowers others through healing practices.
As I was reading this I was once again appalled by the behaviors of white politicians, prison officers, and society in general towards the Black population. I am a white, retired teacher and counselor and still see too much of this same behavior being "swept under the rug" or blatantly dismissed by the general population as well as those who have been labeled as our political leaders. The world needs more women like Ericka Huggins. I could easily see this book as the subject of an entire college level class in Black Studies, Women's History, the Civil Rights Movement, and so many other areas.
During her imprisonment and later throughout her life, Ericka turned to meditation, yoga, writing, and a multitude of other spiritual wellness practices that saved her and the numerous fellow prisoners she helped. Ericka believed in "community" within both the prison population and the Black Panther Party as keys to survival as she lived to empowers others through healing practices.
As I was reading this I was once again appalled by the behaviors of white politicians, prison officers, and society in general towards the Black population. I am a white, retired teacher and counselor and still see too much of this same behavior being "swept under the rug" or blatantly dismissed by the general population as well as those who have been labeled as our political leaders. The world needs more women like Ericka Huggins. I could easily see this book as the subject of an entire college level class in Black Studies, Women's History, the Civil Rights Movement, and so many other areas.