Public Enemy

In 1999 they look like sedate people in their forties. They lead a retired life with their families and have attained a reasonable social position. The fact that they are still alive and are doing quite well today is really a small miracle, according to the former Black Panther activist Kathleen Cleaver. Together with Bobby Seale, Jamal Joseph and Nile Rodgers, she made up the hard core of this militant movement that fought for equal rights and opportunities for blacks in America in the sixties. ‘Black is honest and beautiful’ was their most famous slogan.Bobby Seale was one of the founders of this controversial political organisation. In the film, he returns to the places where he and his friends were assaulted by the police, and he tells how some of them were killed in front of his very eyes. Nowadays, Seale gives lectures now and then and visits penitentiaries, where he is still recognised by people who came and listened to his speeches in the sixties. ‘We weren’t violent at all, but within the rules of the law, which allowed arms possession, we fought for better housing and more job opportunities for blacks’, a still ardent Seale claims.Jamal Joseph was in prison for nine years and is currently active as a poet and playwright. Nile Rodgers became a very successful musician and music producer - one song he wrote and produced was the well-known hit song ‘We are family’ by the Sisters Sledge. The numerous stock images reveal the Panthers as dedicated youngsters; some of them were only 16 years old when they became active for the BPP. To the question whether the situation for blacks is better today, a straightforward ‘yes’ is not given.