Arts & Activism: The Panther Issue
If you listen for it, you’ll hear that beat. —Chairman Fred Hampton
A renaissance, a revival, a remembrance of art would be a balm during these times.
The people have a rhythm. Their sentiment has a rhythm.
There has never been a time where the arts and artists did not reflect the political and social climate of their era.
Until now.
Think of the literary giants, the prolific artists, the lyrical masterpieces, and music compositions of the 1960s and 1970s. Think of the fun songs too. I’m sure you will smile remembering one of your favorite songs. Think of the influence of that song or piece of art. Think of the world you visited while reading a novel or report of that time.
Now think of the children of today and the messaging they are being given to hold in their hearts. These messages will stay with them throughout adulthood, as do yours.
I always say, the genius of the Black Panther Party was the attention given to children. The Panthers created wonderful memories in the minds of the children at the Breakfast Program and gave them an extended family who would remember them for the rest of their life.
As a child, I was in the Black Panther Daycare on 88th and Merrill in Chicago. Arranged by one of my BPP uncles, I had the great fortune of reuniting with my second mother from the daycare. The Panther women took shifts, and she took care of me while my mom was at work or school.
©Turtel Onli
When we saw each other a few years ago, the heavens opened. I wish this for every child. That every child was loved and protected by so many people.
I wish we would understand what these corporations are doing to them and would take them to task instead of making excuses for them.
Did you watch the BET Awards?
In the middle of a so-called “revolution?” What were they revolting against? The pimp or the drug dealer? Not systemic racism. Not justice for child abuse victims. Yet, they got the grand prize of being a spectacle on national television and their songs rotated 24/7 on FM Radio.
If we never know love, we don’t know what it feels like, and this destructive influence on our children is programming their demise for decades to come. They are being programmed to have self-hate. To hate their black brother and sister. To kill in front of their own children. To shoot guns at each other.
In Chicago, we must get rid of WGCI and Power 92.
You have no idea of the repercussions our community will suffer for years to come.
This is the power of the arts.
I hope you enjoy this last print issue of 2020.
You can still find the newspaper online. Metropolis
Black Panther Party Daycare, 8834 S. Merrill, Chicago, IL
Leila Wills, Publisher