We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party

by Mumia Abu-Jamal, Kathleen Cleaver (Introduction)

In his youth Mumia Abu-Jamal helped found the Philadelphia branch of the Black Panther Party, wrote for the national newspaper, and began his life-long work of exposing the violence of the state as it manifests in entrenched poverty, endemic racism, and unending police brutality and celebrating a people’s unending quest for freedom. In We Want Freedom, Mumia combines personal experience with extensive research to provide a compelling history of the Black Panther Party—what it was, where it came from, and what rose from its ashes. Mumia also pays special attention to the U.S. government’s disruption of the organization through COINTELPRO and similar operations.

While Abu-Jamal is a prolific writer and probably the world’s most famous political prisoner, this book is unlike any of Mumia’s previous works. In We Want Freedom, Abu-Jamal applies his sharp critical faculties to an examination of one of the U.S.’s most revolutionary and most misrepresented groups. A subject previously explored by various historians and forever ripe for "insider" accounts, the Black Panther Party has not yet been addressed by a writer with the well-earned international acclaim of Abu-Jamal, nor with his unique combination of a powerful, even poetic, voice and an unsparing critical gaze. Abu-Jamal is able to make his own Black Panther Party days come alive as well as help situate the organization within its historical context, a context that included both great revolutionary fervor and hope, and great repression. In this era, when the US PATRIOT Act dismantles some of the same rights and freedoms violated by the FBI in their attack on the Black Panther Party, the story of how the Party grew and matured while combating such invasions is a welcome and essential lesson.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Race, Memoir, African American, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

American political activist and journalist

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great memoir about Mumia Abu-Jamal’s time in the Black Panther Party. So many important historical events as well as ideas that are relevant to today’s movements for racial justice and dismantling anti-Black racism – directly addressing the question of violent and nonviolent protest, intersections of racial justice with class solidarity and gender equity, and even a brief commentary connected to anti-Zionism. Powerful insights about topics such as how societal segregation perpetuates injustice as well as how white progressives can inadvertently contribute to racism. The book leans more toward a history of the Black Panther Party over personal memoir, which is totally fine, though something to expect going into it. And, of course I’m biased, though I enjoyed reading about Abu-Jamal’s experience in Philadelphia specifically.

[Mikal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life in the Black Panther Party is a great account of the history, ideology and philosophy behind the movement from one of its most famous, and relevant East Coast Members, Mumia Abul Jamal. While being all of sixteen years of age, and literally joining at or near the height of its strength, he offers a comprehensive and sober view of the movement, its policies, flaws and strengths.

The biggest thing I took away from this book, is how skewed the message and realities of the Black Panther Party have become. It was no question that they were a multi-national/international movement, bent not only on racial justice, and emanicipation for African Americans, but for all those oppressed under the imperialistic attitudes of the West. It also reflects that the Panther's mission...grass roots, community organizing under the premise to raise awareness and self sufficiency are mantras that present revolutionaries and activists should take note of.

[Mookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given my familiarity with the subject I can say that it wasn't terribly earth shattering, but at the same time also a very honest and comprehensive look at the historical significance of the Panthers (that one might expect from a writer/thinker such as Mumia). There are certain aspects of the Party's character that he... paints in a positive light, but anybody who can read at a 6th grade level should be able to read between the lines (which I suspect was his intent). Overall I would absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in the subject matter.

[Jeremias · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3,75/5).
Inhaltlich mehr eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Geschichte der Black Panther Party (for Self Defence) und der historischen Bewegung der Befreiungsbestrebungen von Natives und African Americans, als eine persönliche Erzählung über die tagtäglichen Vorgänge in der BPP.
Aber genau dieser große Anteil an Geschichte, Theorie und Analyse machen das Buch, gepaart mit einigen wenigen persönlichen Einschüben, sehr lesenswert und aufschlussreich.
Wahrscheinlich der Haftsituation und Isolation des Autors geschuldet, wirkt das Werk in seiner Komposition der Kapitel manchmal etwas zerfahren und durcheinander. Die deutsche Übersetzung nach Sonja Hartwig klingt nicht immer treffen und rund, was aber ebenfalls an der englischen Originalfassung der Fragmente Abu-Jamals, die größtenteils im Gefängnis entstanden sind, liegen kann.
An manchen wenigen Stellen fehlen in Zitaten oder an Satzenden schlichtweg Satzzeichen, was zudem die Kredibilität des geschriebene Textes und Inhalts zwangsläufig - wenn auch unrechtmäßig - in Mitleidenschaft zieht.
Nichtsdestotrotz, aufgrund des spannenden und detaillierten Inhaltes ein gutes, gelungenes Buch, das vielleicht im Originalen noch ein Stück besser wäre.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this a long time ago, so i am working off a foggy memory here, but i recall that i liked it. it's a memoir kind of deal about mumia abu-jamal's time in the black panther party. he got into it at a pretty young age, selling newspapers & such forth. as an insider's account, it avoids a lot of the salacious guns-&-violence crap that a lot of other books about the black panther party focus on, & as a journalist, abu-jamal does a good job weaving the everyday nuts & bolts work-a-day life on his time in the party into a readable & informative narrative. if i recall correctly, he oscillates between recounting some of hismore salient memories of his youth with reflections on the legacy of the party thirty years later, so it's both a history lesson & a kind of manual on what exactly he think the BPP accomplished in the long-term. i've read several black panther memoirs, but i think this one was my favorite. abu-jamal is critical of some of the excesses the party took, but without losing sight of the party's goals, & his own goals in joining. a lot of these radical memoirs veer too far in the direction of justifying youthful indiscretions, or attempting to distance to present-day author from tactics that might seem excessive to people in there & now, but this book doesn't really do either. thank god, because usually when i read other memoirs, i'm thinking that the author needs a therapist, not a book contract, & i just get bored & irritated.

[Lyds · Rating 5 out of 5]

gotta read it.

[Mujahid Ibn Abdellah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Far, all that I knew already. How the Brother Huey Newton was an exceptional and amazing indiviual who had the right vision.

[Juhyundred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mumia’s history of the BPP - more an account of the character, origins, successes, failures, and contradictions that drove the party than a chronological account of events. Also written with the benefit of being published after many other BPP autobiographies and academic histories, and can therefore offer something of a synthesis (from Mimia’s particular vantage)

[Michael Boyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing from, as he says, "Prison Nation" america's best known political prisoner, Mumia Abu-Jamal writes a loving, critical dissection of the Black Panther Party, both from his role as a young cadre and his current status as a revolutionary journalist and commentator from inside the prison walls. He reflects on the historical roots of the party, raises important critical points about the party's ideology and the strengths and weakness of its leadership, and situates it within its historical context. The discussion of women is particularly notable, as are Mumia's own recollections; his fearless but loving reflections on the historical trajectory of the Panthers, and the possibility of black liberation remembering as part of the global struggle for human emancipation.

It's also worth noting here that Mumia's case is recently in the news again, and people who are inspired by his writing should do anything in their power to encourage a new trial, or freedom all together.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adding another book to the collection of histories about the Black Panthers, Abu-Jamal offers us something not a lot of some others have: personal experience and a successful attempt to place the Panthers in a historical context of black resistance to oppression by the white power structure. This historical exploration is one of the best parts of the book, but my favorite sections deal with his own personal experiences as a young man joining and experiencing the Panthers—from Philadelphia to California. It’s too bad he didn’t gives us more memoir (but I prefer the personal story), but he covers the Panther’s history well enough, from the rise, to COINTELPRO, and more. Certainly worth reading, especially if you don’t know anything about the Black Panthers.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great history of the Black Panther Party, Mumia Abu-Jamal's early life, and even a great overview of the history of black resistance movements from the first slave rebellions - which he says the BPP fits into as an integral piece.

Mumia does a great job explaining the origins and philosophies of the party, as well as covering its history succinctly but in a sweeping way that other books have failed to do. There is a chapter on women in the party, which is of mixed quality, but other chapters, like the ones on COINTELPRO and snitches in the party, are absolutely vital.

Don't miss the pictures of young Mumia working in the BPP (at age 14...)

[Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, critical, and detailed account of both political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal's life in the Black Panther Party, but also the roots and development of the party itself - the two kind of grew up together. Reveals the true origins of the BPP, integrates them into a continuum of black resistance to colonialism extending back hundreds of years, and also really illuminates the every day reality of a revolutionary group completely tarnished by racist media and government slander. A thorough and sweeping account of a dynamic period in our countries revolutionary past.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for my poli sci class, but I'm sure I would have happened across it at some point as a result of my interest in all things controversial. A very interesting book. Mumia is obviously an educated man, passionate about what he believes in. Now, just waiting on the questions from my professor which will turn into my 4-page mid term.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the Black Panther Party, how they were organized, the different types of programs they had, and why the organization fell apart by reading this book. Mumia is REALLY a great writer and I hope to read some more of his books in the future.

[Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read about the rise of the Black Panther Party and Mumia's experiences in Philly growing up with the Panthers. It was a history I really needed to read as I'd heard a lot about the Panthers but really didn't know much else. This was a very accessible and interesting personal history.

[Laura Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very timely read for the times.

"...that which is repressed will eventually find expression.

"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 arise again."

[Brotha Nameless · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Mumia sharing this perspective on the BPP. Not only does it give a good analysis to the BPP, but it provides info into his earliest period of contributions to the people.
Free Mumia!

[Ted Heitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clearly biased as a man that is seeking relevance and support from behind bars. Skewed interpretations shining a haloed light on a racist organization.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is A Well Written Documentary Of The Struggles Of The Freedom Fighters Of The 1960's. Excellent Read!

[Adam Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great concise history of the Black Panther Party from its roots in colonial slave rebellions to its legacy as of 2004 when the book was published. It is thoroughly documented despite Mumia working from prison. He includes some memoir-style sections that recount his personal experiences, but most of it is written in the 3rd person as a history. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about the BPP from the perspective of someone who was actually a panther.

I was surprised at his chapter on women in the party. Not knowing much about it, I had the vague impression that the party was, even for its time, male-dominated, hyper-macho, and widely sexist. Mumia argues that, while there was sexism, the party's official stance toward women was very progressive, and women were vital to the party: they worked the same jobs as men, received the same education as men, made up much of its membership, and held positions of power. Considering that most of the BPP were working-class and lumpen Americans from the 1960s, who I wouldn't exactly expect to be on board with women's liberation, the relative empowerment of women in the party is remarkable. This seemed to be influenced by the Maoist political education. Mao, I always remember, said that "Women hold up half the sky."

[Victoria Law]

I'm amazed that, despite behind behind bars for decades, Mumia was able to do so much historical research, digging up obscure histories (and occasionally herstories) of enslaved people's resistance as well as the prolonged (and for so long unknown) war waged by the FBI and Cointelpro.

What's amazing is how under siege the Black Panther Party was by the U.S. government--both local police and federal authorities. I started reading it in May 2020, just before protests sparked by police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Toni McDade (okay, it seems that mostly queer people of color are protesting McDade's murder) and local & national law enforcement respond with increased repression--violence, curfews, extended stays in pre-arraignment detention before being given a summons. And it's eerie how histories of state repression continue to repeat.

I wish that the book also included a note about *how* he did this extensive research while incarcerated. How did he know what books to look up? Did he have a group of supporters willing to find and send him these books or photocopy articles? Did he send drafts to people who then suggested other books and articles? (There's no acknowledgments section.)

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Abdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."

[Emma Helvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The problem wasn't that the Black Panther Party was a 'hate based group', but that it was not."
An absolutely fantastic read - I love the blend of traditional non-fiction and the authors own experiences in the party. There is so much nuance to the Civil Rights era and there's so much about BPP that I never learned in school. Free breakfast program for elementary kids? Free health clinics that specialized in areas that disproportionately effect African Americans? I could go on - just a fantastic read.

[Verka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro sobre la ideología e historia del Partido Panteras Negras. Aunque denso por su profusión de detalles sobre la historia de la liberación negra, también cuenta el día a día en el Partido de forma amena e interesante. Un imprescindible para cualquiera interesado en la lucha por los derechos civiles en USA y en el Black Panther Party.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, invaluable examination of the history and struggle of the BPP from the ground level perspective, by one of Amerika's greatest writers and political prisoners.

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history and analysis of the Black Panther Party!

[mia moraru]

‘...that which is repressed will eventually find expression. the bpp may indeed be history, but the forces that gave rise to it are not. they wait, for the proper season, to arise again.’

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars