Justice for Huey

Black and gray photograph of Huey Newton surrounded by black text on a blue background

Huey Percy Newton (1942-1989) was an African American political activist who co-founded the Black Panther Party along with Bobby Seale in 1966. The core mission of the group as to organize the African American community to prevent police abuse and racial discrimination. In 1967, Newton was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of a police officer, resulting in 2-15 years in prison. His trial and imprisonment sparked protests which adopted the slogan “Free Huey”. In 1970, the conviction was overturned when it became clear that Newton had acted in self-defense. “Justice for Huey” was not only justice for an individual person but was a representation of an entire race and community experiencing oppression. Huey Newton is attributed with being one of the most important black civil rights leaders in American History.