Welcome to the Evolving Folks Project’s “Evolved Woman of the Week” Black History Month Edition profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the Philadelphia native, activist, singer, songwriter, and former Chair of the Black Panther Party, Elaine Brown.
Elaine Brown is a key figure in the history of the Black Panther Party. She was born in North Philly in 1943. In the late 1960s, she joined the Party and rose to prominence within its ranks. From 1974 to 1977, Brown was the Party’s first and only female chairperson, following Huey P. Newton’s departure to Cuba to escape prosecution. Brown took the lead, but her leadership was met with controversy. Brown faced sexism and threats as the Chair of the Black Panthers.
Community service programs were a key part of the Black Panther Party’s platform, and Brown’s work focused on these initiatives. These initiatives included free breakfasts for children, health clinics, and educational programs. She also preserved the Party’s political activism and dedication to social justice and equality.
Elaine Brown is a leader, gifted writer, and musician. Among her authored works are several books, including the autobiography “A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story,” offering insights into her Black Panther involvement and her stance on civil rights and social justice.
After leaving the Black Panther Party, Brown continued to be involved in activism and advocacy, particularly around issues of prison reform and the rights of incarcerated individuals.
During her time in the Black Panthers, Elaine ran for local office in Oakland. She was unsuccessful in both bids but still won 30% of the vote for the Oakland city council position. In the mid-2000s, she was involved with the progressive Green Party. Brown resigned from the Green Party at the end of 2007. She cited the party’s white leadership, which she felt actively blocked real social progress and opposed any attempts to achieve it. Her withdrawal from the Green Party’s presidential race happened then.
Inmates organized a nonviolent strike in over seven Georgia prisons in 2010 via contraband cell phones to advocate for better prison conditions. Brown became their most trusted advisor from outside prison. She conducted a conference call to develop a comprehensive strategy requiring collaboration with diverse groups like the Georgia NAACP and the Nation of Islam. Her work helped the prisoners win some of their demands and ended the strike with no violence. Her social justice work continues to this day where she is currently serving as the COO of Oakland & the World Enterprises, which she founded in 2014
Her contributions to the civil rights movement and her leadership within the Black Panther Party have impacted the fight for racial and social justice in the United States. Today, we honor Elaine Brown as our Evolved Women of the Week.
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