This Side of Glory: The Autobiography of David Hilliard and the Story of the Black Panther Party

by David Hilliard, Lewis Cole

Hilliard's eyewitness account of American's first armed black revolutionary movement from his position as Chief of Staff of the Black Panther Party. The 1993 edition was published by Little Brown. He has added a short list of subsequent fates of people in the book. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insider's view of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party (BPP) by David Hilliard. Hilliard was enthralled by Huey Newton, was underwhelmed by Bobby Seale, and found Eldridge Cleaver to be divisive. The book could have been improved by providing more dates for the seminal events in the Party's history, and more about the party's platform and programs. The first hand recounting of the police/FBI efforts to eliminate the BPP was an eye-opener although less brutal than the Fred Hampton Story, and to some extent, was paralleled by deadly fights with other black power or black gang leaders. The BPP had much internal discord around working with other organizations with similar goals, such as the SNCC. What sets this book apart from the many others that I have read was the drug use, which probably was more responsible for the destruction of the BPP than anything else as paranoia rampaged. A very sad ending to a wonderful vision of empowerment, education, and self-determination.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My step dad writing about my uncle. Perfect, huh?

[ryo narasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This account of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party is more complete, more honest, and more male chauvinist than Elaine Brown's. I highly recommend that anyone who wants to get some insight into the workings, feelings, and processes of the top tiers of the Party should read both Brown and Hilliard's accounts. The pictures they paint of the Party, of Huey, and of events differ as greatly as their perspectives differ, and the interpolation that becomes possible is illuminating.

[LIFEfluency Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This Side of Glory" offers an intimate and insightful journey into the life of David Hilliard, a prominent figure in the Black Panther Party. As both an autobiography and a historical account, Hilliard's narrative skillfully intertwines personal experiences with the broader context of the Black Panther movement, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of its origins, struggles, and triumphs.

Hilliard's storytelling is captivating, drawing readers into his world from his early years to his involvement in one of the most influential social and political movements of the 20th century. His candid reflections on the challenges faced by African Americans, both within and outside the Party, offer valuable perspectives on race, activism, and the quest for social justice.

The book delves into the complexities of the Black Panther Party, dispelling myths and misconceptions while shedding light on its multifaceted efforts to address systemic inequality. Hilliard's accounts of organizing community programs, advocating for civil rights, and confronting institutional oppression are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Moreover, "This Side of Glory" serves as a testament to Hilliard's resilience and unwavering commitment to the cause. Through moments of triumph and adversity, his unwavering dedication to the principles of self-defense, self-determination, and solidarity shines through, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

While providing invaluable insights into the Black Panther Party, Hilliard also offers reflections on his personal journey, including his struggles with incarceration and addiction and his eventual pursuit of education and community activism. These reflections add depth to the narrative, highlighting the human side of the movement and the individuals who dedicated their lives to effecting change.

Overall, "This Side of Glory" is a compelling and essential read for anyone interested in the history of the Black Panther Party, the civil rights movement, or the ongoing fight for racial justice. Hilliard's powerful storytelling and profound reflections make this autobiography a timeless contribution to the understanding of activism and social change.

[Diego Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of the Panthers. Warts and all. From watching “Singing in the Rain” in segregated theaters in Alabama to becoming best friends with Huey Newton growing up, I find the beauty in seeing David’s evolution in social consciousness and learning from a common background. Far too often intellectuals like Huey or Eldridge have overshadowed the common revolutionary.

Seeing the Panthers grow from each colossal event from a personal perspective is both awe inspiring as a historian and reassuring as an activist. Their success is not just magic in a bottle, but hard work tied with revolutionary optimism. It’s even more jarring hearing that everyone, including Huey, is naturally afraid, but continue because our people are at stake.

Two surprising moments. One was David analyzing the white movement that is always mentioned in media when talking about activism and explains their contradictions and uselessness. They only care about their own needs and white saviorism, while not giving an ounce of care about minorities facing the same oppression as those in Vietnam. Another was the brutality of the War on Drugs and how it destroyed everything, David included.

This book was so heavy I cried when I finished in honor of their sacrifice to humanity and the ridiculous brutality they faced at every stage of their life to give us the privileges we have for now.

Rest in Power Bobby Hutton, Huey Newton, George Jackson, and more.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good memoir about a life in the Black Panther party.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilliard served as chief of staff of the Black Panther Party. During the years Huey Newton was in jail and Eldridge Cleaver was in exile he effectively ran the party. Once he was imprisoned in later years for his role in the Oakland shooting that led to Cleaver's exile, Newton became increasingly paranoid and ousted Hilliard from the the Party. The latter part of the book is about his 15 plus years from '74 until just a year before Newton's death, detailing his personal struggle with crack and alcohol. Ultimately, when Huey Newton was gunned down in Oakland by a crack dealer reputedly "sick of Newton demanding free drugs" Hilliard himself had been clean and sober only seven months.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Hilliard's autobiography of the Black Panther Party is indeed compelling and fascinating. I was surprised to learn how much of today's organizing principles were developed by the Panthers, and how far-reaching their socials programs were, which fed, housed and clothed people across the country. Through all this, Hilliard shares his growth as a speaker and leader, his personal struggle with addiction, and what it was like to stand in the shadow of the charismatic Huey Newton.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books about the black panthers, but this one is
definitely my favorite. You get to hear the story of the party's
founding years through the eyes of someone who was not a major star
but was definitely integral to the party's functioning.
In addition, this is just a great memoir; someone depicting there
life, glory and warts, as plain as possible.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutally honest and sincere--especially in Hilliard's hindsight.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but the Black Panthers scare me with their logic of safety and defense. I want to read more about the people involved.

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was the most honest and useful book I've read on the Black Panthers. Well written, too.