Cleaver recounts struggle
Campus Times
November 21, 1997
Former minister of information for the Black Panther Party, Eldridge
Cleaver autographs the FBI's "Most-Wanted" poster of himself,
circulated in the late 1960s. Cleaver toured the University of La Verne
as a scholar for the day and delivered his main address Monday night, where
he discussed issues concerning today's society.
"I will know my song well before I start singing," quoted
the former leader of the Black Panther Party, Eldridge Cleaver, to University
of La Verne students Monday.
Referring to the words of Bob Dylan, Cleaver informed the ULV community
about his life since the revolutionary Black Panther Party.
During the 1960s, the rise and evolution of the Black Panther Party
was brought into the public eye. Its history was marked with bold challenges
to the police department and community. The Party was formed as a defense
for the black community.
Now, as the Afrikan-American Student Alliance (AASA), Associated Student
Federation (ASF) Forum, Behavioral Science Club, Coalition for Diversity
and Minority Resource Center hosted Cleaver, he spent the day on campus,
accompanied by a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles suitcase (that he carries
because he works with children) and photocopies of his FBI "Most Wanted"
poster. Throughout his stay, Cleaver was distinguished as a visiting scholar.
Cleaver experienced a portion of ULV's college life beginning late Monday
morning, with his first destination -- Sociology 321: Juvenile Delinquency.
In the classroom, Dr. Sharon K. Davis, professor of sociology and criminology,
introduced Cleaver as "a man with compassion for humanity, and militancy
that has characterized his life and career."
As Cleaver entered the room, he informed those in attendance of his
involvement in two jury trials, a plea bargain and his educational background,
which included his enrollment at Los Angeles City College and other correspondence
courses.
Cleaver then explained his part in the Black Panther revolution, describing
himself as "one of the most sought-after speakers in America, and a
successful fugitive."
"I used to write for the [Black Panther's] newspaper," Cleaver
said to the 18 people attending the class. "The newspaper spurred a
revolution in the underground press; it helped to break the monopoly of
daily newspapers."
From this experience, Cleaver discovered the importance of information,
and was encouraged to become a minister of information for the Black Panther
Party.
In the late 1960s, Cleaver was involved in a gun battle with the Oakland
Police Department. Though he escaped the scene after one of his friends
was shot to death, his struggle was not over. When Cleaver fled from the
scene, he was forced to begin his eight-year term as a fugitive, during
which time he was exiled in Cuba, Algeria and other areas.
According to criminal documents and the FBI "Most Wanted"
posters, Cleaver was portrayed as a man who was "considered armed and
extremely dangerous." Though he understands why many people have come
to believe that the Black Panthers were racist and dangerous, Cleaver strongly
believes a part of history remains ignorant to his personal perspectives
and experiences.
"We didn't just shoot the white police, we shot the black ones,
too," he said. "We had the idea that we are men like others, and
we're going to stop [oppression]."
After his address to Dr. Davis' class and a lunch, Cleaver participated
in a small group discussion with the general public and representatives
from the media. Cleaver admitted that he had experienced a spiritual journey,
which has influenced him since the peak of the Black Panther revolution.
Several questions were asked of him, and Cleaver had the chance to reunite
with his nephew, a resident of San Dimas.
"I'm proud of him because he stood up for what he believed in,
but there were some things he did he could've done differently," said
Jason Hinten, Cleaver's nephew. "If he hadn't done them, it wouldn't
affect him now."
Following the agenda, Cleaver later met with the ULV community, at which
time he presented his major address.
In his address, Cleaver discussed issues concerning our present-day
criminal justice system, the importance of unity, the political system and
significant historical events.
"Don't fight fire with fire; fight fire with water. Be oppressed,
be captured, but do not be defeated," he said. "We are in the
center of the bull's eye. We need to see ourselves as one human family and
join hands -- unite on the basis of freedom and justice."
Cleaver emphasized the importance of a female President, who, he believes,
naturally has the "heart and concerns of a mother."
After his address, Cleaver accepted audience questions. Freshman Rachel
Eldredge, a political science major, admits that she was skeptical about
the speaker.
"I thought [the Black Panthers] were a racist group because of
the way history had portrayed them, but after hearing Eldridge Cleaver speak,
I began to understand what the Black Panthers were really about," Eldredge
said. "[When I return to home to Idaho] I'm going to tell everyone
the truth about what he talked about and hopefully educate them about what
really happened during the civil rights movement."
According to many audience members, Cleaver's stay was successful. Aside
from the respect and fame he has received, he wishes to be remembered by
such by having "A loving heart and helping hands" as the message
he would like on his tombstone.
