What do you get when you mix a 21-year-old revolutionary, a breakfast-loving Black Panther, and a government that’s way too scared of both? The explosive story of Fred Hampton—a man whose charisma and vision made him a hero to the people and public enemy number one to the FBI.
In this episode of The Black Docket, we’re diving into the life and untimely death of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party who was building a Rainbow Coalition faster than the feds could tear it down. But on December 4, 1969, the FBI and Chicago PD decided to crash the party—literally—in a raid that left Hampton dead, his apartment riddled with bullets, and a whole lot of questions unanswered.
We’ll break down the shady tactics of COINTELPRO, the courtroom drama that followed, and why Fred Hampton’s legacy still has the government sweating bullets (pun intended). Spoiler alert: it’s equal parts inspiring, infuriating, and a masterclass in how to organize like your life depends on it—because, well, it did.
So grab your coffee (or your free breakfast, Panther-style) and tune in for a story that’s equal parts history lesson, true crime thriller, and call to action. Because if there’s one thing Fred Hampton taught us, it’s that the people *can* win—but only if we keep fighting.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com