Black History Speaks: The Murder of Fred Hampton

Fred Hampton Fred Hampton was born on August 30, 1948 in suburban Illinois. He was noticeably gifted in academics and athletics. He wanted to play for the New York Yankees when he was done with school but ended up studying pre-law at Triton Junior College. Hampton was inspired to study law to use it as a defense against police and their brutality. Around this time, he became active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), leading their Youth Council of the organization’s West Suburban Branch. He increased the Council’s membership to over 500 members. While he was organizing youth on behalf of the NAACP, the Black Panther Party was gaining national popularity. The Party’s Ten-Point Program that integrated black self-determination and elements of Maoism inspired Hampton to join and move to downtown Chicago. Hampton’s leadership abilities were apparent there. He brokered a nonaggression pact between Chicago’s most powerful and dangerous street gangs. Hampton’s personal