Meeting 10/22-COINTEL PRO: The FBI's War on Black America

Today, the Du Bois Society met to watch and discuss the government's role in dismantling Black Power groups during the 1960's and 70's. We watched a 48 minute video, entitled "COINTEL PRO: The FBI's War on Black America." It detailed the actions taken by the FBI, under the directive of J. Edgar Hoover, to silently and coordinately kill, jail, or destroy the reputations of black leaders, including Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Huey P. Newton, Fred Hampton, and others. It contained multiple interviews with professors and people involved, as well as rare documents and footage.

Afterward, the Society had a robust discussion regarding COINTEL PRO, its actions, and the repercussions still felt today. Unsuprisingly, many people's initial reaction was anger. We discussed the role of the media, as well as the lack of education opportunities provided for black children, especially to learn about their own history. Some members shared personal experiences they had with racism, as well as problems the black community is facing, one being perverted standards of beauty.

For our "current events" presentation, we were presented with the staggering fact that for every five black women who graduate from college, one black man will. There are many theories as to why this is: some say it is due to the unrealistic expectations set upon and accepted by black men, that they must be drug dealers, athletes, or rappers to be successful. Some asserted that black men didn't have many role models who were successful via education, and that was to blame. Others argued that White America put black men at more of a disadvantage since they are a potential threat.

Whatever the case may be, it was a great discussion, and a productive meeting. Our next will be on Wednesday, October 29 in 340 Case Hall. The video we watched is below.

A Short History of Dick Gregory

Since Dick Gregory is coming to speak at the Black Power Rally on Thursday, October 23 at Michigan State University, here is a very brief history on him:

Richard Claxton Gregory, better known as Dick Gregory, is not only one of the best standup comedians of all time, but he is a pioneer and an activist as well. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 12, 1932, Gregory was a track star in high school, earning himself a scholarship to Southern Illinois University. He joined the US Army, where he began his work as a standup comedian, winning various Army talent shows. He then began to work in Chicago following his service. Soon after, Gregory went to Selma, Alabama to participate in a voter registration drive for blacks, where he spoke as well. Gregory was also involved in the anti-Vietnam war movement, economic empowerment, and anti-War on Drug movements.

Gregory ran for mayor of Chicago, as well as President of the United States, with fellow civil rights advocate Mark Lane as his VP candidate. He ran as the nominee of the Freedom and Peace Party, and garnered exactly 47,097 votes. This is very remarkable, given that he was a write-in candidate, and that he ran in 1968. Gregory was among the first blacks to every run for the President of the United States, along with Charlene Mitchell, who also ran for President in 1968, as the nominee of the Communist Party.

Gregory is married to Lillian, with whom he has ten children. Gregory’s work is known for his satirical, biting style than encompasses all subject matters, from racial relations to politics to religion.