This past weekend, I had the transformative experience of visiting the Fred Hampton Museum in Chicago—a journey that deepened my understanding of legacy, struggle, and community activism.
( Photos taken by Jimmi Mac)
For those who may not know, Fred Hampton Jr. is the son of the legendary Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and activist Deborah Johnson.
During my time in Chicago, I had the privilege of meeting him at the Hampton House Museum, a site that holds deep historical significance.
( Photos taken by Jimmi Mac)
This museum stands not just as a tribute to Fred Hampton’s life and work but as a beacon for the next generation of revolutionaries, particularly the Black Panther Cubs. Under Hampton Jr.'s guidance, these young activists are fiercely dedicated to turning his father's childhood home in Maywood, Illinois, into a historical landmark.
(Picture from Block Club Chicago)
What struck me most during my visit was Hampton Jr.’s commitment to keeping his father’s story alive. He leads the Black Panther Party Cubs, which offers programs like the Children’s Community and Cubs Program, echoing the legacy of the Panthers’ original Breakfast Program.
( Photos taken by Jimmi Mac)
The work doesn’t stop there; Hampton Jr. is also heavily involved with Free ‘Em All Radio and contributes to the Black Panther Party Newspaper, addressing pertinent issues that plague the Black community, from miseducation to police brutality.
( Photos taken by Jimmi Mac)
Meeting Fred Hampton Jr. left me speechless ( well almost ) His reservoir of knowledge about revolution and community-building is profoundly inspiring. It’s a reminder of the importance of passing down wisdom and fighting for justice, especially in our current climate.
Revolution Through the Lens of Hip-Hop
As the revolution unfolds, it’s essential to recognize how various movements intersect, especially within cultural spaces like hip-hop. From Nashville to Chicago, a new wave of revolutionary thought is emerging, driven by artists, community organizers, and stakeholders. Amid this resurgence, Healthy Hip Hop is becoming increasingly vital.
Nashville’s hip-hop scene is buzzing with artists—Big6, Heru Heru, Da Healerz, Ron Obasi, and myself, Ras Jaffee Judah—crafting music that speaks to the pressing issues of our time.
One collective is at the epicenter of this movement is Bang 4 Liberation (B.4.L), a hip-hop activist group that’s bringing environmental justice to the forefront.
Their upcoming fundraiser, **Recycle and Reinvest**, aims to benefit youth programs like the **Soil Soldiers**, demonstrating how music and activism can coalesce to create real change. (See LinkTree )
During my meeting with Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., he pointedly referred to much of today’s music as “**Slop Hop**.” He discussed how mainstream music often perpetuates an agenda that promotes detrimental aspects of culture—whore culture, thug culture, and pimp culture—that lead to confusion and division within our communities. This resonated deeply with me; it’s a stark reminder of the responsibility artists have in shaping narratives and uplifting our communities.
Hampton Jr. articulated the challenges of aligning oneself with movements like the Panthers, acknowledging that not everyone is prepared for the work that comes with revolution. His words reflected the reality that activism requires deep commitment and resilience—a truth that often goes unrecognized.
On the Last Episode Of The Year...
As we conclude this reflection, I’m excited about the next episode of Blkblood Voices. We’ll be joined by Teresa Montalvo of Xtreme Nutrition ( @XtremeNutrition) from Chicago, who will share her journey as a mother and entrepreneur. Her insights promise to be enlightening, particularly in the context of community wellness and empowerment.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of legacy and activism. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of history and the importance of weaving it into the fabric of our present and future. Until next time, stay tuned to Blkblood Voices and continue to engage with the stories that matter.
FREE'M ALL,
Ras Jaffee Judah
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