I was a young man when this all happened, I remember many of the news clips that Mr. Roger Guenveur Smith and Mr. Lee have skillfully woven into this POWERFUL biography of a man that was demonized by the "system" both economic and political. The real tragedy is all of Mr. Newton's issues are even more relevant today. Now the cry is not just from African Americans, it is now a call from all people from all over the world, the 99% that are not part of the 1%.
What seemed like a very reasonable requests in 1968 today seems like distant dreams to many. What were they? He wanted Full employment, decent housing, Justice instead of criminal justice, Good Education, Stop killing our people. Newton talks about the "slave mentality" which today has become the employment philosophy demanded by Wall Street. No Union, no contract, work in fear, things have gotten much worse since 1968, Mr. Smith has done a masterful job of capturing and perpetuating Huey Newton's work, which has now become the work all of the 99% , OWS, . One can only ask how the world would be today if white America would have listened and supported what he was trying to do. This is a sharp criticism of today's society in the form of a historical documentary. It will offend some and anger others. But for the few who can endure the pain and guilt. There are some real nuggets of truth being conveyed. Try to listen, and learn. A true work of love and conviction, Mr. Smith poured is own soul into the work and Mr. Lees genius captured it and made it work. Well done gentlemen.
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