FREEDOM! The Story of the Black Panther Party

Capably performed by the inimitable Dion Graham, this history of the Black Panther Party (BPP) opens with stories of its founders and the organization itself and closes with the BPP's collapse and the future of its key players. A coda pulls together the BPP's place in the freedom struggle for BIPOC in the US, and an author's note explains the selection of materials included. Graham's voice is warm and confident throughout. He makes excellent use of pacing, phrasing, and character voicings to make listeners feel as if they are taking part in each event. Pausing for quotes, Graham slips into character like a chameleon. The protest in Sacramento is particularly strong emotionally, with a letter by cofounder Bobby Seale read to perfection. This is history brought alive. S.D.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]