Tureka Lewis and Mario Van Peeples: The Making of Panther

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, former Black Panther Tureka Lewis and actor-director Mario Van Peebles engaged in a compelling dialogue about the legacy and representation of the Black Panther Party in film and history. Tureka Lewis, noted as the first woman to join the Black Panther Party, shared her experiences and insights into the Party’s impact on activism and community organization. This conversation was enriched by the participation of Mario Van Peebles, whose 1995 film *Panther* vividly depicted the rise and challenges of the Black Panther Party.

**Revisiting the Film ‘Panther’**

Van Peebles reflected on the making of *Panther*, highlighting its groundbreaking aspects and all-star cast, including Angela Bassett, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock, Kool Moe Dee, and Bobby Brown. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of the Black Panther Party’s fight for justice, the camaraderie among the cast, and its significant influence on the representation of Black narratives in Hollywood. Van Peebles noted how the film challenged the industry to embrace more diverse and leading roles for Black actors, which contributed to a shift in auditory culture and the portrayal of Black music and heritage in cinema.

**Bay Area Activism and Legacy**

The discussion transitioned to the historical context of activism in the Bay Area. Lewis underscored the long-standing tradition of activism that preceded the Black Panther Party, tracing back to the 1850s. She shared personal anecdotes about her family’s involvement in various movements, including the Nation of Islam and the Color Convention Movement. Lewis emphasized that the Black Panther Party’s 10-point program was not an isolated creation but a refined continuation of existing efforts toward racial justice.

**Community Engagement and the Black Panther Movement**

Lewis, Van Peebles, and host Davey D delved into the ethos of community engagement within the Black Panther movement. They discussed the importance of discipline, focus, and the role of youth in perpetuating the movement’s values. Lewis recounted her efforts in training young men from Compton, teaching them the 10-point program, and the necessity of maintaining clear-eyed dedication to community service.

**Upcoming Works and Continuing the Legacy**

Looking ahead, Van Peebles shared insights about his new film *Outlaw Posse*, featured at a local film festival. The discussion highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Black Panther Party’s principles in addressing contemporary issues, such as police brutality and community organization. The episode concluded with a strong call to revisit and share hidden histories of the Black Panther movement, celebrating the contributions of pioneers like Tureka Lewis and envisioning new ways to inspire future generations through storytelling and film.

**The Power of Representation**

Both Lewis and Van Peebles stressed the transformative power of seeing one’s culture and history represented in media. Van Peebles shared how role models and representation in films like *Panther* can bolster pride and resilience among Black audiences, encouraging a sense of heritage and potential. This episode of Hard Knock Radio not only honored the past but also sparked a vision for how its lessons could shape the future of Black activism and creative expression.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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