On May 1, 1969, Fred Hampton, the charismatic leader of the Illinois Black Panther Party, gave a passionate speech at the University of Illinois, calling for racial and class solidarity. Hampton was known for his revolutionary message of unity between poor whites, Latinos, and Blacks, coining the term “Rainbow Coalition.” His oratory on that day resonated with students and activists across racial lines, challenging the government’s narrative of the Panthers as a purely militant group. His speeches, including this one, made him a target for FBI surveillance, ultimately leading to his assassination later that year.
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