'The Big Cigar' on Apple TV+: How Huey P Newton's assassination marked a turning point for Black Panther Party
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Big Cigar' has officially premiered on Apple TV+, offering the viewers a compelling look into the life of Black Panther leader Huey P Newton and his journey from Cuba back to the United States.
Starring André Holland, this six-episode series delves into the remarkable true story of Newton, showcasing his life, ideologies, and the challenges he faced during a pivotal period in American history.
Featuring an ensemble of talented actors, 'The Big Cigar' also includes Alessandro Nivola, Marc Menchaca, Tiffany Boone, and PJ Byrne among its cast.
Let's discuss the true story of Newton, including the circumstances surrounding his death.
Who was Huey P Newton?
Huey Percy Newton was an African American revolutionary and political activist. He co-founded the Black Panther Party (BPP) in 1966 alongside Bobby Seale.
The BPP was a revolutionary socialist organization that aimed to challenge police brutality against African Americans. Under Newton's leadership, the BPP garnered international recognition and support. This was exemplified by Newton's invitation to visit China in 1970, which highlighted the party's global impact and relevance, as reported by African American Heritage.
He was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on February 17, 1942. During his childhood, his parents relocated to Oakland, California, United States. The move to Oakland significantly influenced Newton's upbringing and later, his activism.
Despite graduating from high school without acquiring literacy, Newton later taught himself to read. Later on, he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
He also attended Merritt College before enrolling at the University of California. While at Merritt College, Newton became a member of the Afro-American Association. He played a key role in the college's decision to include African American History course in the curriculum.
After co-founding the BPP, Seale assumed the role of Chairman, while Newton became the Minister of Defense. According to African American Heritage, the BPP held the belief that violence, or the potential for violence, could be a necessary means in the fight for justice and equality for Black Americans.
What happened to Huey P Newton?
The BPP initially started as a grassroots organization, deploying legally armed members to oversee police activities and educate Black people about their rights.
Over time, it evolved into a global movement, establishing social, educational, and healthcare initiatives aimed at supporting Black and other marginalized communities.
According to a report by ABC News, in 1969, FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) director J. Edgar Hoover declared the BPP "the greatest threat to internal security of the country."
The FBI also initiated a vigorous counter-intelligence program (COINTELPRO) with the goal of dismantling the BPP.
Newton faced charges related to the killing of police officer John Frey in 1967 and of 17-year-old prostitute Kathleen Smith in 1964. These charges led to legal battles and controversies surrounding Newton's involvement in these incidents.
According to a report by PBS, on November 13, 1967, the Alameda County grand jury issued an indictment against Newton, charging him with three serious felonies.
The first charge was for the murder of Frey, a crime that had occurred earlier that year. Additionally, Newton was accused of assaulting Patrolman Herbert Heanes and kidnapping Dell Ross near the site of Frey's murder.
In September 1968, Newton was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the killing of Frey. Newton's attorney, Charles Garry, initiated his defense by challenging the legitimacy of the grand jury system. Garry argued in pretrial motions that the Alameda County grand jury system was unconstitutional, lacked transparency, and exhibited bias against minorities.
Newton faced several criminal charges over the years, and at one point, he fled to Havana, Cuba to avoid prosecution. However, upon his return to the United States, Newton stood trial for another assault and murder. Surprisingly, he was acquitted of both charges.
What led to the death of Huey P Newton?
In March 1989, Newton received a six-month jail sentence for misusing public funds meant for a school in Oakland that was established by the Panthers.
However, Newton was fatally shot on August 22, 1989, in West Oakland, California, by Tyrone Robinson, a member of the Black Guerilla Family and a drug dealer.
The incident occurred during a confrontation between Newton, Robinson, and another person. Newton’s last words were, “You can kill my body, and you can take my life but you can never kill my soul. My soul will live forever!”
His death marked the end of an era for the Black Panther Party. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, California, where his grave became a site of pilgrimage for those inspired by his activism.
After a lengthy legal process, Robinson was convicted of murder in 1991. He was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for the crime.
How to stream 'The Big Cigar'?
'The Big Cigar' is currently airing exclusively on Apple TV+. Subscribe to the streaming platform to witness this captivating historical drama unfold.
Apple TV+ offers an ad-free streaming experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the narrative without any distractions.
With a competitive pricing structure, enjoy all the entertainment Apple TV+ has to offer at a monthly subscription cost, making premium content accessible to a broad audience.
The base price of Apple TV+ is $9.99 per month. For this fee, viewers can gain access to the platform's full library of original series and movies.
'The Big Cigar' trailer