 Recorded Books Presents Freedom, The Story of the Black Panther Party by Jetta Grace Martin, Joshua Bloom, and Waldo E. Martin, Jr. Narrated by Deon Graham. Prologue. There is an ancient saying, Knowledge is power. The secret is this. Knowledge, applied at the right time and place, has the potential to change history. Knowledge is more than power. It's magic. That's what the Black Panther Party did. They called up this magic and began a revolution. In the beginning, it was a story like any other. It could have been yours and it could have been mine, but once it got going, it became more than anyone could have imagined. It's the story of Huey and Bobby, Eldridge and Kathleen, Erica, Elaine, Fred, and David. It's the story of the women and the men of the party, their supporters and allies, the community survival programs, and the 10-point program. It's about Black Revolution, Black radicalism, about Black people in America. It's about loyalty, community, and sacrifice. It's about what it takes to be free. This is the story of the Black Panther Party, part one. In the beginning. The Black Panther Party's legacy is eternal. It will live on, always, in the hearts and minds of those who stand for the truth, of those who stand for justice, and are willing to do whatever is needed to create the world we all deserve to live in. A world free of poverty, hunger, greed, fear, and hate. A world full of love and abundance. Erin Dixon, Chairman, Seattle Black Panther Party, Chapter 1 Cruisin', Huey, Bobby, a long freedom struggle. Cruisin'. In the dark, anything can happen. Blackness, darkness has a power unto itself. Faces reside there. Strong, determined, and proud. Unapologetic in their blackness. A large afro, a halo of power. Dark sunglasses, glinting in the half light, crisp leather jackets, and cocked berets. A uniform with meaning. Figures cutting across the frame. Black, and proud. It was late at night. Huey Newton, Bobby Seal, and little Bobby Hutton were cruising around in Bobby's car. The year was 1967. The place? Oakland, California. As Huey drove, they noticed a police car patrolling the area. Huey sped up to tail the car, keeping him in his sight. They glided behind, silent, and watchful. What the officer couldn't see was Huey's shotgun, or Seal's 45-caliber handgun, or little Bobby's M1 rifle. When the officer turned right, Huey turned right. When the officer turned left, Huey turned left. After a while, they all pulled up at an intersection, side by side. The three men turned, looking into the police car. Bobby held Huey's gun, their weapons were clearly visible. Huey's law book lay waiting across the back seat. They paused, waiting for a breath. Then they accelerated, moving ahead of the officer. His high beams started flashing, but Huey refused to stop. A flashing light meant nothing to him. When the officer put on his siren, Huey finally pulled over, right across the street from Merritt Community College. Huey knew the area well. Merritt was a mostly black school, where both Huey and Bobby were students. The officer burst out of his car, yelling, young black men and women stood, having just come out of class, observing the scene. Quickly, a crowd began to gather. The officer came closer, screaming, get out of that car. Huey turned, cool, and collected. You ain't putting anybody under arrest? Who the hell you think you are? The officer snapped. He pulled open the car door and stuck his head inside, reaching across Huey to grab the barrel of the shotgun that Bobby was holding. Bobby pulled back. Huey sprang into action. He grabbed the officer by the collar, slamming his head against the roof of the car. Huey then turned in his seat, kicked the officer in the stomach, and… Sample complete. Ready to continue?