Cat Brooks Interview Fredricka Newton

Cat Brooks speaks with Fredricka Newton, widow of the late Black Panther Party co-founder and movement leader, Huey P. Newton.

Note: I edited and produced this interview, but I did not script the questions.

This interview features archival recordings of various speeches and songs that are listed below:

Part 1:

  • A speech Huey Newton gave in the 1968 Black Panther Documentary, Huey!

  • A song, “Give More Power to the People” by the Chi-Lites
    Bobby Seale discussing the Panthers’ survival programs on CBS News July 31st, 1971

  • Audio of the Free Huey Rally is also off the 1968 Black Panther Documentary, Huey!

  • Another song, “Brotha'” by Angie Stone

  • And a protest song: “Hell You Talmbout” by Janelle Monáe and various members of her Wondaland artist collective

Part 2:

  • A speech by Huey Newton off the album Huey Newton Speaks, first released in 1970.

  • “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown

  • A call and response led by Huey Newton from the 1971 documentary film, The Murder of Fred Hampton

  • And the song, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” by Nina Simone, performed live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976.


This aired on KPFA’s UpFront on January 6, 2022.