y Kofi Taharka, (National Chairman – National Black United Front NBUF, Black Guerilla Media BGM)
July 2022
The Houston Chapter of the People’s Party II (PPII)/Black Panther Party (BPP) Alumni Association hosted Carl B. Hampton Day at the Judson Robinson Sr. Community Center & Park in the Pleasantville neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Hundreds gathered throughout the day to honor the legacy of Houston’s fiery young revolutionary. A Houston Police Department snipers bullet ended his 21-year-old life on July 26, 1970. However, his spirit and principles still reverberate 52 years later.
A mostly celebratory atmosphere engulfed the domed basketball court which was converted into an outdoor arena for Carl Hampton Day. The joyous mood was always tempered with the reality of what happened on that infamous day in Houston history. Pleasantville is the neighborhood that produced the Chairman of the PP II Carl B. Hampton, an organization fashioned after the Black Panther Party and the forerunner to it’s Houston Chapter.
Carl’s childhood friends and comrades from the PP II/BPP attended to give first person accounts about this bold young captain. Several attendees came from across the country. Diverse activist and organizers from different groups (Black, Indigenous, Palestinian, Progressives) of today took to the rostrum one after the other exhorting the crowd on the importance of Carl’s (PP II/BPP) legacy and its relevance today. Deric Muhammad brought forth a family member of Roderick Brooks who earlier this month was murdered by a Harris County Sheriff Deputy in Houston. She updated the community on the status of the case. Public release of the body camera video is pending. African drumming, Aztec dancers, poetry, and a live band secured the audience’s attention throughout the three-hour program. Culturally orientated vendors surrounded the perimeter of the event. “It is important that Carl B. Hampton Day reflect the principles which he and the People’s Party II/Black Panther Party lived by” said John “Bunchy” Crear of the Alumni Association and primary organizer of the day.
In activist circles the story of Carl Hampton’s assassination on Emancipation Avenue (Dowling St.) in Houston’s Third Ward was mostly passed down through legendary oral history. In 1997 ancestor Charles “Boko” Freeman of PPII/BPP organized a large commemoration in Emancipation Park. Since that time the alumni association with support from many allies has organized small and large gatherings to illuminate this vital history. The true story is often left out of the mainstream of Houston Black history. Not unlike in some ways, the Camp Logan Insurrection by Black World War I soldiers that took place in 4th Ward/Freedmen’s Town in 1917. Police terrorism of the African in America community initiated this conflict. The similarity between Camp Logan and PPII fifty plus years later was Blacks were armed in the hostilities with Houston Police. Aside from that point the two historical events diverge in specifics. BPP veterans are quick to point out the survival programs it initiated such as the FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM which was later adopted by the federal government. These facts help dispel the imagery of the BPP as solely gun totting, black leather jacket wearing radicals. The many survival programs bound the organization to our communities for generations. Just like the echoes of Carl B. Hampton reverberate through to this very day.
To learn more about Carl B. Hampton People’s Party II/Black Panther Party, the 10-day staff off on Dowling @ PPII HQ, and the aftermath of Carl B. Hampton’s Assassination go to www.itsabouttime.com
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
