Events

In this groundbreaking biography, Professor Mary Phillips immerses readers in the life and legacy of Ericka Huggins, a revered Black Panther Party member, as well as mother, widow, educator, poet, and former political prisoner.

Drawing on never-before-seen archival sources, including prison records, unpublished letters, photographs, FBI records, and oral histories, Professor Phillips foregrounds the paramount role of self-care and community care in Huggins’ political journey, shedding light on Ericka’s use of spiritual wellness practices she developed during her incarceration. In showcasing this history, Phillips reveals the significance of spiritual wellness in the Black Panther Party and Black Power movement.

Transcending the traditional male-centric study of the Black Panther Party, Black Panther Woman offers an innovative analysis of Black political life at the intersections of gender, motherhood, and mass incarceration. This book serves as an invaluable toolkit for contemporary activists, underscoring the power of radical acts of care as well as vital strategies to thrive in the world.