In today’s moment in Women's History, we will highlight Elaine Brown, born March 2, 1943, in the working-class streets of North Philadelphia.
Raised by a single mother who sewed dresses in factories, she found her calling after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968 and joined the Black Panther Party.
In 1974, Huey Newton named her chairwoman, becoming the first and only woman to lead the organization. From 1974 to 1977, she guided the Panthers through fierce challenges, expanding free breakfast programs, health clinics, and women's leadership while confronting systemic racism and internal tensions.
Her 1992 memoir ‘A Taste of Power’ remains a searing, honest account of revolution's highs and costs.
Among us today and still active in Oakland, Brown continues her work through advocacy for housing justice, economic equity, and prison reform.
Fun fact: Upon taking leadership, she declared, “I have all the guns and all the money. I can shoot anyone and get away with it” a bold claim that underscored the raw power she held in a male-dominated movement.
Remember…Education is FREEdom of mind and never should be colorblind.
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