Framing the Panthers in Black and White

In the words of activist Dhoruba Bin Wahad, “Historical and social events are subject to almost instant censorship by those who have better access and control over the medium of communication. It is important that there exist people skilled in the use of the technological instruments of communication who will seek out the real truth behind the headlines and tell it for all to see, know, and hear.”

Framing The Panthers charts the FBI’s covert campaign against the Black Panther Party, focusing on the story of one of its targets, Dhoruba Bin Wahad. A former Panther leader, Bin Wahad spent 19 years in prison as a result of COINTELPRO, the FBI’s Counterintelligence Program, which was designed to destroy political activism in the 1960s and 70s. On evidence of government misconduct, his conviction was overturned in March 1990 and he was released from prison on bail. In December of 1991, however, the New York State Appeals Court reinstated his conviction. Dhoruba Bin Wahad now faces further imprisonment.

Part two of the Counterterror series.