Fred Hampton was a revolutionary and activist who became the Deputy Chairman of the Black Panther Party. During his college years, Fred demonstrated immense dedication to the empowerment of black people and organizing community events. In 1968 Hampton joined the Black Panther Party and quickly became the Deputy Chairman. As Deputy Chairman of the Black Panther Party, he advocated for social changes, as he made goals to improve educational opportunities for black communities, fought against fascism, worked to end gang violence, and organized free breakfast opportunities for schools. As his influence on the public grew, so did his conflicts with the FBI. The FBI had officially labeled Fred and other Panthers as national threats. In a hearing, it was revealed that the FBI had documents that had plans to deteriorate the Panthers’ Children's Breakfast Program.
“You can jail a Revolutionary, but you can’t jail the Revolution” - Fred Hampton
On December 4th, 1969, Fred Hampton was assassinated by the FBI, the Chicago Police Department, and Cook County Attorney officials in his bed. He was shot over 90 times in front of his girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time. Before this attack, it is believed that Hampton was drugged at a raid just hours before, most likely to ensure that his defense mechanisms were slowed. The attack did not end with Hampton’s murder: It also wounded four other Black Panthers and left another Black Panther, Mark Clark, dead as well. Hampton was 21 years old when he was murdered by the US Government. He was specifically targeted as the FBI saw him as a threat to national security and a possible candidate as the leader of the Black Liberation Movement.
It is important to remember the prominent figure that Fred Hampton was, as many people are not aware of his significance. Though he lived a short life, his influence was major in social changes during the time. One of his major accomplishments was putting an end to a feud between major street gangs and encouraging them to form a truce. His dedication and his will to fight against a system that kept him silent even in death will remain a staple in history.
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