“Judas and the Black Messiah,” featuring LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya, was initially set for release in August 2020. Given the events of last summer, that timing would have resonated profoundly. This film stands out as one of the first mainstream portrayals of the Black Panther Party, a pivotal political organization formed in the 1960s. Kaluuya takes on the role of Fred Hampton, the charismatic Chairman of the Chicago chapter, whose life was tragically cut short by the government during his peak influence. Stanfield portrays William O’Neal, the man who betrays Hampton and assists in his untimely death.
It’s crucial to grasp that “Judas and the Black Messiah” leans more towards Bill O’Neal’s narrative than that of Fred Hampton. The film effectively illustrates the lengths to which the FBI went to eliminate Hampton. O’Neal, a petty criminal impersonating an FBI agent to steal cars, infiltrates the Black Panther Party to dodge prison time. In hindsight, serving jail time might have been a better option. He ingratiates himself with Hampton, using an FBI-issued vehicle to provide transportation for Party members. Early on, his loyalty is questioned, but he quickly earns their trust. The film leaves viewers wondering if he ever truly embraced the Party’s mission, skillfully withholding definitive answers.
While I’m not particularly religious and have limited knowledge of Christianity, I am aware of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus (thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber). The film’s portrayal of O’Neal as the Judas to Hampton’s Jesus resonates powerfully. He earns Hampton’s trust only to deliver him to the authorities. Instead of a traditional kiss of betrayal, he provides the FBI with a detailed layout of Hampton’s apartment and escapes just before the police storm in, resulting in a brutal raid. Fred Hampton was killed in his sleep, unable to defend himself.
For those unfamiliar with this historical context, “Judas and the Black Messiah” poses an essential question: who was Fred Hampton, and why did FBI director J. Edgar Hoover label him as “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country”?
Often, discussions of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s revolve around two prominent figures: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the nonviolent leader appealing to the masses, and Malcolm X, whose radical approach starkly contrasted King’s. However, many others contributed significantly to the struggle. The Black Panther Party aimed for much more than mere equality with white people; they were true radicals, advocating for empowerment and upliftment within the Black community. Known for initiatives like free breakfast and healthcare programs, they took action instead of preaching from a distance.
Fred Hampton served as the Chairman of the Chicago chapter of the BPP, a revolutionary thinker who recognized that true freedom required solidarity among all marginalized groups. “Judas and the Black Messiah” effectively captures Hampton’s essence, shedding light on why the FBI sought his demise. As a socialist and an anti-capitalist, Hampton understood that genuine democracy could only be achieved through the collective uprising of the oppressed against the wealthy elite. He was a true visionary.
Not only was Fred Hampton remarkably intelligent, but he also possessed an undeniable charisma. After joining the BPP at just 20 years old, he quickly ascended through the ranks. His ability to captivate audiences is evident in archival footage, and Daniel Kaluuya masterfully embodies his gravitas alongside youthful exuberance. This captivating presence is what made the FBI perceive him as a significant threat. During his leadership, Hampton united the BPP with the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican group turned political organization, and the Young Patriots, a coalition of impoverished white migrants from Appalachia.
Scenes showcasing Hampton’s activities with the BPP are juxtaposed with those of Hoover and the FBI agents tasked with undermining him. Like Malcolm X and Dr. King, Fred Hampton was placed on the FBI’s watchlist due to his radical views. The U.S. government labeled the Black Panthers as a terrorist organization, fearing that their increasing popularity could lead to a radical upheaval. Through their COINTELPRO program, they infiltrated organizations like the Panthers, using informants like O’Neal to dismantle their leadership.
Despite the FBI’s collaboration with the Chicago police to arrest Hampton, Hoover remained unsatisfied. In a chilling scene, he confronts the agents assigned to Hampton, making it clear that he will not relent until Hampton is dead. When he expresses his concern about his daughter potentially dating a Black man, one agent responds dismissively, but soon after, he demands O’Neal provide a blueprint of the Panthers’ apartment. The message is clear: opposing the U.S. government is not an option for survival.
On December 4, 1969, 14 armed Chicago police officers stormed the apartment, guns blazing. While nearly all the Panthers were injured, only two were killed: Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, a notable member from Peoria, Illinois. Hampton had been drugged by O’Neal to ensure he would remain asleep during the raid, resulting in his death while lying next to his fiancée, Deborah Johnson, who was 38 weeks pregnant. The film’s portrayal of this scene, particularly through Dominique Fishback’s powerful performance as Johnson, is haunting. She remains composed even when a police officer points a gun at her stomach. Fred Hampton was only 21 years old when he was murdered, never having the chance to meet his son, Fred Hampton Jr.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” adeptly conveys the narrative it sets out to tell. O’Neal is portrayed as an unsympathetic character, and viewers are unlikely to feel any pity for him. In a postscript, we see the real O’Neal attempting to justify his actions in the only interview he ever gave for the documentary “Eyes on the Prize 2,” revealing that he died by suicide the day the documentary aired. The film’s respectful depiction of Fred Hampton and other Black Panther members is commendable, as it draws on the insights of Hampton’s widow and son, who are dedicated to preserving his legacy. The audience gains a glimpse of who he was and the impact he made.
This film serves as a vital starting point for educating audiences about the Black Panthers and their significance in the ongoing fight against issues like police brutality. Fred Hampton, along with other key figures in the Black power movement, should still be alive today. His story is one that deserves to be told, and this film is a significant step in that direction.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is available for streaming on HBO Max until March 14th.
For more insightful content, check out this blog post on related topics. Additionally, if you are looking for a reliable option for home insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is excellent.
Summary:
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a compelling film that explores the life and legacy of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, and the betrayal he faced at the hands of William O’Neal. The film emphasizes the radical mission of the Panthers, showcasing their commitment to empowering the Black community and illustrating the dangerous lengths the FBI went to silence Hampton. With powerful performances and a poignant narrative, the film serves as a crucial educational tool about Hampton’s impact and the ongoing struggle against injustice.
Keyphrase: “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]