Book Review; A TASTE OF POWER

A Taste Of Power 'A black woman's story' was a Biographical insight written by Elaine Brown. The original book was published by Pantheon Books in 1992, in New York. This true story shares a view into the coming of age story of Elaine Brown, a former Black Panther Party chairwoman in Oakland, California. She was a prison activist, writer, singer, and above all, a bona fide revolutionary. I loved the book, its witty, heartfelt, informative glimpse into the transformations and accomplishments that Elaine & Black Panther Party have built.

The 70s were a turbulent time in the USA in particular. Unbelievable historical events are drafted throughout this book. Some of which was heart-wrenching, I became passionate and enraged about the murders of a handful of Black Panthers. Real people, also the characters in the story who I grew to love. Including Eldridge Cleaver, Bunchy Carter, and Bobby Hutton, (who was the youngest and first Panther to be killed by the Law.) Although the harsh tragedies run rampant throughout the book, there are moments that made me smile.

For instance, Elaine depicts the birth of her only child Erika, named in honor of her sister comrade Erika Huggin0song writer. She became a cocktail waitress, introducing her to a lover. Jay Kennedy was a white American writer who unwittingly sparks a black affirming flame inside her that she ignored for so long. The twists and turns take us on a ride with Elaine as she moves up in the world. Ultimately gaining political influence in Oakland, She apprentices Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton. Newton, being internally misunderstood & stalked by the CIA goes into exile. This propels Elaine to the top of the chain of command in the Party, giving her a taste of the power in addition to battling sexism within the ranks.

"A woman in the Black Panther movement was considered, at best irrelevant. A woman asserting herself was a pariah. A woman attempting the role of leadership was, to my proud black Brothers, making an alliance with the 'counter-revolutionary, man-hating, lesbian, feminist white bitches."

Poetically, Elaine shares this raw reality of navigating life as a compelling black woman in the 60s-70s, the dangers of her radical existence constantly lurking around each corner in the book. She shares with us her humdrum childhood in north Philly and her unenlightened dreams to be "white" " This recap not only encourages us to keep Panther legacy well known, but it also shows how relatable our human narratives are & how motivating they can become. Being someone that knew close to nothing about Elaine's achievements & the Party before reading. I've now learned so much about the Panthers and what they truly stood for. Beyond the guns and berets. Yes, they were a known militia, yet they successfully ran a school, created jobs, fed thousands, and were ultimately dedicated to their communities of color & the working poor. The government was not(still isn't) reliable for these communities. Even the CIA and the entire US government saw Panthers as a threat which shows how powerful the movement was and still is. The Panthers stepped up and took into their own hands to spread awareness, and demanding "Power to the People!"

I ended the book with newfound pride of Power To The People. I was encouraged to be active in my community and to spread awareness of socialist views. Not to mention, this book was beyond entertaining, I couldn't put it down. Each person in the book inspired me, I felt connected to the way she expressed each person's personality. The way she intimately honored each passed soul. For example, The way she grieves for a comrade John Huggins, who was murdered by a black nationalist US Organization member in 1969.

"But John was with me. His brown skin, his softness, his love, his crown of hair, his voice, his humanity were with me. John, my beloved John, I'm sorry it was you and not me. I wrote him a thousand words in my head. I would not cry. I would fight to live. I would live to join him."

If you want to be inspired by the moving story of a black woman of great strength and love, I suggest you pick up this book. This is the important Biography that won't be taught in the textbooks. It is an important aspect of Black American history. Real American history.

I want to thank Elaine for sharing this exhilarating piece of her life.