It was therefore shocking to many left-wing radicals when Cleaver turned his back on Black revolution, the Nation of Islam, and communism in 1975. The court found him guilty of assault, but because of his rejection of his former political views, he was given 2,000 hours community service and five years probation.'An illuminating study of a complex, memorable historical figure.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewĪ remarkable biography that examines the notorious Black revolutionary meticulously within the context of his changing times Charismatic, brilliant, and courageous, Eldridge Cleaver built a base of power and influence that struck fear deep in the heart of White America.

He returned to the United States in 1975 and had to face court over the 1968 Oakland shoot-out. He then formed the opinion that the American political system was the most democratic and freest political system in the world. Cleaver then decided to form his party: the Revolutionary People’s Communication Network but shortly afterward he was converted to Christianity and put all his previous political beliefs behind him. In 1971, he disagreed with members of the Black Panther Party and was expelled from the group. He lived in exile in México, Cuba, and Algeria. He was let out on bail and fled to México in November 1968. Cleaver, who had a leg wound, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. After an hour the two men decided to surrender, and when Hutton walked out first, he was shot and killed. In April 1968, the Oakland police ambushed eight members of the Black Panther Group as they traveled in a convoy of two vehicles.Įldridge Cleaver and another member ran and hid in a basement which was soon surrounded by police. Edgar Hoover who saw the Panthers as a significant internal threat. He published Soul on Ice (1968), and this memoir brought him to public attention, making him a prominent African American political leader and spokesman.īy that stage, Cleaver and the Black Panthers had drawn the attention of the FBI and their boss J. By then he considered himself a committed revolutionary.

Eldridge Cleaver joined the Black Panther Group and was appointed the group’s minister of information.

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