Bobby Seale, an iconic African-American political activist, co-founder and national chairman of the Black Panther Party spoke to California State University, Stanislaus students Feb. 19 at the Mainstage Theatre on campus.
A welcome introduction speech to the students and Bobby Seale was given by Dr. James Tuedio, followed by the presentation of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” The introduction of Bobby Seale was given by Prof. Bobby Seals (Fela Uhuru).
Seale spoke about his many experiences in the BPP, explaining the many challenges and sacrifices he and his fellow comrades took, and the strides in history as voices of the people.
Leslie Seale, wife of Bobby Seale, was also in the BPP serving from 1969-1974 in a commune in North Richmond, CA. However, not a speaker at the presentation, she worked the front lines behind a desk to guide students into the stage, inform whoever might venture her way about the BPP and sell Bobby Seale’s book “SEIZE THE TIME: The Eighth Defendant,” as well his documentary “PUBLIC ENEMY” and many iconic BPP posters.
Leslie joined and served five years at the age of 20 years old, “day to day living, with party members… full time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year… you weren’t a black panther if you weren’t living with black panthers.”
Leslie shared the opposition she faced while in the BPP “We were surrounded by the police almost nightly for a while… but you never shoot first. If you were shot at for no reason first, then you must defend yourself.”
Both detailed the many achievements and weaknesses of the Black Panther Party and faced hardship, but both say it was well worth the fight towards a better direct democracy.