Ready for the Revolution! Retrospective Tribute to 1960s Leadership: Critique and Analysis (en Inglés)
Reseña del libro "Ready for the Revolution! Retrospective Tribute to 1960s Leadership: Critique and Analysis (en Inglés)"
Ready for the Revolution! is what Kwame Ture used to always say before we spoke, whether it be on the phone or in person. He and Seku Neblett were key parts of the Pan-African movement that I became a part of early in life before focusing more on Black Studies and black nationalism. This book is both critique and commentary, consisting of several key figures who had major impact on shaping the black power movement in the 1960s and '70s. The book addresses and analyzes a key speech by Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) in 1966 before tens of thousands of students where he outlined his views on race relations. Huey P. Newton is analyzed in a section that asks if he was a "supreme commander" (his chosen title), a "black revolutionary" or a glorified pimp? Bobby Seale, portrayed in this analysis as more of a yes-man and Newton sidekick than as a true contributor to the movement, is addressed through my analysis of his own words in his book Seize the Time. Eldridge Cleaver, at least as confused as Newton would turn out to be, is analyzed through his words in Soul on Ice, his on-going associations with white liberals and maltreatment of his wife Kathleen. He is presented as a self-admitted rapist, a revolutionary and finally a pro-Reagan Republican. Maulana Karenga, founder and leader of the US Organization, was the most talented and brilliant of the '60s nationalists, but also the most controversial. In this section of the book I deal with the shootout at UCLA, which many say Karenga orchestrated, and include the key players. You might recognize the name Joe Brown, who would later become "Judge Joe Brown" of TV court fame. Finally, Earl Anthony, an FBI snitch who helped infiltrate the Black Panther Party and actually rose to a high-ranking office. You might also want to read Louis Tackwood's "Glasshouse Tapes" and his role as an LAPD informant and FBI plant as well. As for Anthony, emphasis is placed on what I call an "assessment of damage done" as it relates to the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party. Ready for the revolution? Spiritually we were, but physically and mentally we fell short due to some of the pitfalls and problems outlined in this incredible book. ENJOY
