Newton's Mother Died the Day Before His Birth, Leaving Him Alone

 80 Years Ago Today

Tuesday 17th of February 1942
Founder of the Black Panther Party Huey Percy Newton is born in Monroe, Louisiana, United States.

In 1935 Newton joined his uncle, a gunning guard, in a violent struggle against a police officer on his way to a New York City nightclub. Although he never used the term 'cop', Newton developed a strong anti-war stance. Newton, a self proclaimed patriot, fought in Vietnam and joined the Navy. Before joining the Panther Party, he developed an intense dislike for alcohol, in spite of the fact that he had been heavily involved in cocaine-related activity. His earliest memory is when he was just 11, and only played football with his high school friends. Newton's mother died the day before his birth, leaving him alone. Newton was very popular among his father-in-law, Louis St. Louis, as his older brother, Ernest St. John, became an honorary policeman.
Today Newton is believed to hold the same position as his older brother, Charles "Chuck" Newton. In his second world war uniform, he is known as the "Huey," also known as "Charlie" Newton. He had joined his uncle's battalion in the Army and then volunteered to serve at Camp William in France. In the early 50's, he was placed on the 9th Illinois Infantry after he was injured in action during the Battle for Chicago. During the Battle of San Bernadino.