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<h1 class="reader-title">Rest in power, Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard,
founding father of the Black Panther Party</h1>
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<div class="reader-estimated-time">
<div class="date">July 30, 2018<strong><em> - by Carole
Hyams-Howard</em></strong></div>
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<p><strong><em>by Carole Hyams-Howard</em></strong></p>
<p><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-one-of-Caroles-favorite-pics-by-Jeff-Kan-Lee-Press-Democrat-cropped.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-one-of-Caroles-favorite-pics-by-Jeff-Kan-Lee-Press-Democrat-cropped.jpg?resize=207%2C258"
alt="" height="258" width="207"></a></p>
<p>At 6:13 a.m. on July 23, Big Man joined the ancestors.
Above all else, Elbert “Big Man” Howard loved his
comrades and all oppressed people, who he never stopped
fighting for.</p>
<p>He was the love of my life and I will miss him forever.
I am grateful to have been able to have these years with
him and happy he (and I) got to spend time with his
comrades. I have wonderful memories to cherish and take
comfort in knowing that he is at peace.</p>
<p>I guess I am still doing what Big Man would have wanted
me to do, posting and sharing all these wonderful,
heartfelt messages – condolences, impressions, memories,
stories and tributes (copied below). I know he would be
so very moved and honored reading them.</p>
<p>The posts which would be the most meaningful to him are
the ones from all of you, not the obits in the press.
You, sharing your remembrances and feelings about what
Big Man meant to each of you – how you experienced him,
what you may have learned by knowing him, and how you
loved him.</p>
<p>Big Man was able to share both his deep and profound
love of music and his determined struggle for human
rights for all oppressed people, here, in this county.
Thanks to all of you who helped him, encouraged him,
were patient with both of us, and loved him.</p>
<p>A huge thank you to those who have been here for both
of us through some very painful and difficult times.
Know that he so loved being here with all of you and
that you gave him gifts every day, each one of you, each
in your own way. Thank you so much and peace and love to
all of you. Hold your loved ones close.</p>
<h3><strong>Big Man’s Celebration of Life</strong></h3>
<p>You are invited to celebrate and honor the
extraordinary life of Elbert “Big Man” Howard, a
founding father of the Black Panther Party for
Self-Defense and first editor of its newspaper, The
Black Panther. His Celebration of Live will be on
Saturday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m., in the Bobby Hutton Grove
inside of DeFremery Park, at 18th and <a
href="https://maps.google.com/?q=Adeline+-+1651+Adeline+Street,+Oakland,+California+94607&entry=gmail&source=g">Adeline
– 1651 Adeline St. – Oakland, California 94607</a>.
Speakers will include Emory Douglas and Kathleen
Cleaver.</p>
<p>For more information, contact It’s About Time/BPP at
916-455-0908, <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/Its-About-TimeBPP-333214013404486/">It’s
About Time/BPP</a> on Facebook or <a
href="mailto:itsabouttime3@juno.com">itsabouttime3@juno.com</a>.
Please send any donations to It’s About Time, P.O. Box
221100, Sacramento, CA 95822 by mail or via GoFundMe at
<a
href="https://www.gofundme.com/elbert-quotbig-manquot-howard-memorial">https://www.gofundme.com/elbert-quotbig-manquot-howard-memorial</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_75099" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Big-Man-and-Kiilu-in-Bobby-Hutton-Park-2011-by-Carole-Hyams.jpg"><img
src="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Big-Man-and-Kiilu-in-Bobby-Hutton-Park-2011-by-Carole-Hyams.jpg?resize=600%2C450"
alt="" height="435" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man posted this photo,
taken in Bobby Hutton Park, where his Celebration of
Life will take place on Aug. 25, on his Facebook page
in April 2018 when Kiilu Nyasha passed with this
caption: “It is with great sadness, we say goodbye to
a truly remarkable revolutionary, Kiilu Nyasha. I
first met Kiilu in New Haven, Connecticut, around
1969. She was serving as a coordinator, advocate and
cook for the BPP Breakfast for School Children program
there. In addition, Kiilu was working as a legal
secretary for the law firm of Charles Garry during the
Bobby Seale-Ericka Huggins trials. She allowed
Panthers, myself included, full use of her home,
providing us with the solid base which was so
necessary during our struggles for organizing to free
Bobby and Ericka. Some years later, Kiilu moved to
California, where she continued to devote her life to
the people, the struggle for human rights and freedom
for all political prisoners. Although confined to a
wheelchair and despite constant life challenges,
Kiilu’s spirit, dedication and fierce passion never
wavered and she continued the fight armed with her
amazing, creative talents for art and writing, also
hosting a television program. After I returned to
California in 2005, we would reunite at events
frequently and I was happy to be able to appear on one
of her TV programs. It was always a joy for me to see
her again. My comrade, Kiilu Nyasha, was an
uncompromising, revolutionary force. We will forever
miss her courage and strength of character, her
determination, her talents and her absolute devotion
and love for her comrades and the people. Kiilu
Nyasha, rest in peace. Love, Big Man” – Photo: Carole
Hyams-Howard</p>
</div>
<h3><strong>Tributes to Big Man</strong></h3>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbobbyseale.com%2F&h=AT2T0mj4f8EsCHe11sH2I6zC5c5pDCTOcpFwGjsBKN8X5FjZzIf1xmqSZzX82xdzEGayz5O3abLrrh2S3s8TtR_Ub6k-gz2VZd_Clq49hMac9U8A92J6RNgemzjqtcCfyociDreI1aOZi0xReA">Bobby
Seale</a></strong></p>
<p>Elbert “Big Man” Howard is one of the original founding
members of the Black Panther Party. He was a Black
Panther from 1966 to 1974. During that time, he served
as Deputy Minister of Information and was a member of
the Central Committee and the International Solidarity
Committee. Born in Tennessee in 1938, Howard was also
the first editor of the Black Panther Party’s newspaper.</p>
<p>As the Black Panther Party grew in numbers, their
programs grew in depth. “Big Man” Howard held several
positions and worked on many projects.</p>
<p>“Big Man” Howard himself was responsible for a free
medical clinic for sickle-cell anemia and a work-study
program for parolees at the college. The Black Panther
Party also created a free-breakfast program, piqued by
poor children’s inability to succeed in school due to
malnutrition. This latter operation has actually been
the unstated model for generations of government-run
breakfast programs.</p>
<h3><span>“Big Man” Howard himself was responsible for a
free medical clinic for sickle-cell anemia and a
work-study program for parolees at Merritt College.
… As the first editor of the Black Panthers’
newspaper, “Big Man” Howard helped build its
circulation to 200,000 copies per week. He traveled
the world as the Black Panthers</span><span>’ </span><span>deputy
minister of information. – Bobby Seale</span></h3>
<p>In efforts to appeal to the community and voice their
cause, the Black Panthers decided to found a weekly
newspaper – and looked for an editor. “Big Man” Howard
was the first editor of the Black Panther Party
newspaper and Party international spokesperson.</p>
<p>As a Black Panther Party spokesman, he traveled and
lectured on the conditions and treatment of
African-Americans and other minorities in America. “Big
Man” Howard helped build Solidarity Committees in
Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.</p>
<p>As the first editor of the Black Panthers’ newspaper,
“Big Man” Howard helped build its circulation to 200,000
copies per week. “Big Man” Howard traveled the world as
the Black Panthers’ deputy minister of information and
internationally and established a community medical
clinic and an educational program for ex-offenders at
Merritt College.</p>
<p>All Power to All the People! <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/blackpantherparty?source=feed_text">#blackpantherparty</a>
<a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bobbyseale?source=feed_text">#bobbyseale</a>
<a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/elberthoward?source=feed_text">#elberthoward</a>
<a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/blackpanthers?source=feed_text">#blackpanthers</a>
<a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bigmanhoward?source=feed_text">#bigmanhoward</a></p>
<p>*****</p>
<div id="attachment_75101" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-leans-fearlessly-into-mic-by-Stephen-Shames.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-leans-fearlessly-into-mic-by-Stephen-Shames.jpg?resize=600%2C403"
alt="" height="390" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">The man who could speak truth
to power this fearlessly is the man who was largely
responsible for the phenomenally fast growth of the
Black Panther Party. Big Man carried the message –
“All power belongs to the people,” he would say – and
the struggle across the country and around the world,
creating new chapters and alliances everywhere he
went. – Photo: Stephen Shames</p>
</div>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/kwazi.nkrumah?hc_ref=ARR31bY10QOsyMKUmO0BSHMUF1Vedf09-CFfxKF85ZWtRcaXKUNB0PMzDF3KBNUddgM&fref=nf">Kwazi
Nkrumah</a></strong></p>
<p>Elbert “Big Man” Howard (born Jan. 5, 1938), founding
member and leader of the Black Panther Party, has joined
the ancestors today!</p>
<p>Big Man spent several years in the United States Air
Force in Europe. After receiving an honorable discharge
from the Air Force, Howard moved to Oakland, California.
While attending Merritt College, Howard met Bobby Seale
and Huey P. Newton. In 1966, at the age of 28, he became
one of the six original founding members of the Black
Panther Party. The others were Bobby Seale, Huey Newton,
“L’il” Bobby Hutton, Reggie Forte and Sherman Forte.</p>
<p>Big Man was an active member of the Black Panther Party
for Self-Defense from 1966 through 1974. He served as
the original Minister of Information of the Black
Panther Party and was the original editor and organizer
of the Black Panther newspaper. When Eldridge Cleaver
joined the BPP, Big Man stepped down as Minister of
Information, taking on the title of Deputy Minister of
Information.</p>
<p><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Panther-on-the-Prowl-by-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-cover.png"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Panther-on-the-Prowl-by-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-cover.png?resize=248%2C390"
alt="" height="390" width="248"></a>Big Man
represented the Black Panther Party in a number of
international settings in Asia and Europe. He headed the
defense efforts for BPP Chairman Bobby Seale when Bobby
was framed up on false murder conspiracy charges in New
Haven, Connecticut, in 1969.</p>
<h3><span>Big Man headed the defense efforts for BPP
Chairman Bobby Seale when Bobby was framed up on false
murder conspiracy charges in New Haven, Connecticut,
in 1969. In 1970, Big Man took on the effort to
rebuild Black Panther chapters in every region of the
country in the wake of violent attacks by police and
the FBI … In 1971, Big Man joined Bobby Seale in
efforts to negotiate on behalf of the prison inmates
who had seized control of Attica State Prison, New
York. </span><span>– Kwazi Nkrumah</span></h3>
<p>In 1970, Big Man took on the effort to rebuild Black
Panther chapters in every region of the country in the
wake of violent attacks by police and the FBI, which had
left 28 members dead and many imprisoned on false
charges. These raids, jailings and killings were part of
the COINTELPRO assault on the entire Black freedom
movement in the United States.</p>
<p>In 1971, Big Man joined Bobby Seale in efforts to
negotiate on behalf of the prison inmates who had seized
control of Attica State Prison, New York, in that
historic uprising against the inhuman conditions that
prevail throughout the U.S. prison systems.</p>
<p>After leaving the party in 1974, Big Man Howard
returned to Tennessee. In Memphis, he served on the
boards of directors of several African American
progressive educational institutions.</p>
<p>In 2001, Howard self-published his memoir, “Panther on
the Prowl,” covering the rise and fall of the Black
Panthers. In 2003, he was a coordinator for the All of
Us or None Ex-Offender Program and also was a member of
the Millions for Reparations committee.</p>
<p>Big Man married Carole Hyams in 2007. They have lived
in Sonoma County, California, for some years. He was a
founder of the Police Accountability Clinic &
Helpline of Sonoma County and a board member of KWTF, a
community radio station. As a lifelong lover of
America’s original musical art form, Jazz, he hosted
jazz and blues programs at several radio stations.</p>
<p>The Smithsonian Institute and the National
African-American Museum recently produced a documentary
interview with Big Man on DVD, which has not yet been
released. A major article on his life is scheduled to be
published in an East Coast magazine in August.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/aaron.dixon.3597">Aaron
Dixon</a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_75100" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Aaron-Dixon-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Aaron-Dixon-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard.jpg?resize=600%2C800"
alt="" height="773" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Aaron Dixon headed the
Panthers in Seattle.</p>
</div>
<p>I heard the news today, that Big Man, Elbert Howard,
had passed away. A part of me felt relief and a bit of
happiness for him that he could now rest and softly
transition to the other world.</p>
<p>Many of us had thought that he would have departed over
10 years ago. But an angel named Carole came along and
nursed him back to health and, with a renewed energy, he
became a jazz DJ on the Late Night Show. He wrote
articles for the local newspaper, continuing the fight
for social justice just as he had done back in the day
as the Deputy Minister of Information.</p>
<p>Then he organized the 47th Anniversary of the Black
Panther Party celebration in Santa Rosa, which was a
phenomenal three-day event. I remember how exhausted he
was after it was over. It took a lot out of him and his
health began to decline again.</p>
<h3><span>Big Man organized the 47th Anniversary of the
Black Panther Party celebration in Santa Rosa, which
was a phenomenal three-day event.</span></h3>
<p>Last year, I sought him out for an interview for a
project that I was working on. Carole did not know if he
could or would be able to do the interview.</p>
<div id="attachment_75112" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-young-man-recent.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-young-man-recent.jpg?resize=370%2C345"
alt="" height="345" width="370"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man is a hero who left a
priceless legacy, but he was not a man who dwelt in
the past. Look at his enthusiasm as he stands with a
young man, probably about the age Big Man was when he
joined the Black Panther Party. Big Man is a hero for
the future, and it is our obligation to introduce his
courage, brilliance and wisdom to our youth.</p>
</div>
<p>Just as I was in town, Carole called me and said he
wanted to talk with me. I was elated as well as
relieved. I knew he did not have much time left. I
waited as he prepared to come out.</p>
<p>When he did, he sat in his chair with the air of an old
warrior carrying memories of one of the grandest and
most powerful times for our people. The interview went
well, but I could tell he was not doing well. I knew
this may be my last time laying eyes on him.</p>
<p>As a fellow Capricorn, we both had similar ways. We
also share the stubbornness of a Capricorn. When I heard
of his passing, I was dealing with my own health issues,
as many of us old soldiers are.</p>
<p>Well, Big Man is free now. He is free to move on into
the sunlight with his big smile looking down upon us.
Free from the long years of suffering.</p>
<p>So long, Big Man! Soon many of us will join you in the
dust of eternity. Maybe we will all come back together
again for one last try. One more ride to save humanity.</p>
<p>With undying love, Aaron.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/elmer.dixon.9">Elmer
Dixon</a></strong></p>
<p>A tribute to our comrade Elbert “Big Man Howard,” a
co-founder and original member of the Black Panther
Party who transitioned to the ancestors on Monday:</p>
<p>When great trees fall,<br>
rocks on distant hills shudder,<br>
lions hunker down<br>
in tall grasses,<br>
and even elephants<br>
lumber after safety.</p>
<p>When great trees fall<br>
in forests,<br>
small things recoil into silence,<br>
their senses<br>
eroded beyond fear.</p>
<div id="attachment_75103" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-speaks-at-The-Lamppost-Oakland-1969-by-Carole-Hyams-Howard.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-speaks-at-The-Lamppost-Oakland-1969-by-Carole-Hyams-Howard.jpg?resize=365%2C600"
alt="" height="600" width="365"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Carole Hyams-Howard took this
picture of Big Man speaking at The Lamppost in Oakland
in 1969. They went separate ways and reunited 37 years
later.</p>
</div>
<p>When great souls die,<br>
the air around us becomes<br>
light, rare, sterile.<br>
We breathe, briefly.<br>
Our eyes, briefly,<br>
see with<br>
a hurtful clarity.<br>
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,<br>
examines,<br>
gnaws on kind words<br>
unsaid,<br>
promised walks<br>
never taken.</p>
<p>Great souls die and<br>
our reality, bound to<br>
them, takes leave of us.<br>
Our souls,<br>
dependent upon their<br>
nurture,<br>
now shrink, wizened.<br>
Our minds, formed<br>
and informed by their<br>
radiance,<br>
fall away.<br>
We are not so much maddened<br>
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance<br>
of dark, cold<br>
caves.</p>
<p>And when great souls die,<br>
after a period peace blooms,<br>
slowly and always<br>
irregularly. Spaces fill<br>
with a kind of<br>
soothing electric vibration.<br>
Our senses, restored, never<br>
to be the same, whisper to us.<br>
They existed. They existed.<br>
We can be. Be and be<br>
better. For they existed.</p>
<p>– Maya Angelou</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/tolbert.small?fref=ufi">Tolbert
Small</a></strong></p>
<p>Like George Jackson, Fred Hampton, Doc Satchel and
Bobby Seale, Big Man was a real Panther. He was the real
deal. He was not a paper panther, crazy panther or
gangster panther.</p>
<div id="attachment_75104" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Carol-Smith-David-Hilliard-in-Jet-Magazine-052170.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Carol-Smith-David-Hilliard-in-Jet-Magazine-052170.jpg?resize=390%2C556"
alt="" height="556" width="390"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">This is a page from Jet
Magazine of May 21, 1970.</p>
</div>
<p>His towering spirit of resistance will always be with
us. In the spirit of Crazy Horse, our struggle
continues. Big Man’s spirit will fight on through us.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/MamaCharlotte">Charlotte
Hill O’Neal</a></strong></p>
<p>It is with great regret that we announce the passing of
another icon of the Black Panther Party, Brother Elbert
“Big Man” Howard. He was one of the first founding
members and he was a good community servant for decades.
May Big Man rest in peace in the Realm of the Ancestors
and may we honor him with our own continuing good works!
May all who knew him be comforted by the good memories!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/bill.jennings.1428?fref=mentions">Bill
Jennings</a></strong></p>
<p>Elbert Big Man Howard. my comrade friend, mentor,
passed away today. His legacy will live on. An Original
member of the Black Panther Party.</p>
<p>Carole’s comment: BJ is responsible for helping Big Man
reclaim his legacy before he came back to California and
after. He was truly his “best man” at our wedding and in
our lives. Their friendship and the history they share
was so deep that I cannot really do it justice here.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/sfstevelong?fref=mentions">Steve
Long</a></strong></p>
<p>I still am in a sad state. A man I have looked up to
for over 40 years is no longer among us.</p>
<p>I first met Big Man, as he was known, in New Haven,
Connecticut, in 1970. I was a naive, enthusiastic
teenager from the projects of Fort Greene, Brooklyn,
assigned to the New Haven branch of the Black Panther
Party to help free Bobby Seale, Ericka Huggins and the
New Haven Panthers.</p>
<p>It was a scary situation, meeting the people I had only
read about, from the West Coast origin of the Party.
Many of us were barely out of high school, and Big Man
and a few others were already grown men. He, along with
Robert Bey, exuded the confidence and power of free
Black men.</p>
<h3><span>Big Man, along with Robert Bey, exuded the
confidence and power of free Black men.</span></h3>
<p>Big Man was the first editor of the Black Panther
newspaper, the international spokesman of the Party,
traveling all over the world bringing the message of the
oppressed people of America, forging alliances with many
sympathetic to the cause of liberation.</p>
<p>A powerful man with the quiet confidence and peace not
known to many.</p>
<p>Through the many posts, many can tell he was a well
loved and dedicated servant of the people who will truly
be missed.</p>
<div id="attachment_75090" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/James-Bubber-Young-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Steve-Long-at-Big-Man-Caroles-home-shortly-before-BPP-50th-1016.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/James-Bubber-Young-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Steve-Long-at-Big-Man-Caroles-home-shortly-before-BPP-50th-1016.jpg?resize=410%2C410"
alt="" height="410" width="410"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">The late James “Bubber”
Young, Elbert “Big Man” Howard and Steve Long get
together at Big Man and Carole’s home shortly before
BPP 50th Anniversary commemoration in October 2016.</p>
</div>
<p>One picture I will cherish always is a picture of the
late James “Bubber” Young, Big Man and myself. This
picture was taken at Big Man and Carole’s home in Santa
Rosa, California, in the lead up to the 50th Anniversary
of the Black Panther Party.</p>
<p>He, Big Man, was one of the Original 6!</p>
<p>Maximum Respect and Love!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/j.tarika.lewis?fref=ufi">Joan
Tarika Lewis</a></strong></p>
<p>I am deeply saddened to hear of Big Man’s passing … a
gentleman and a heart bursting with love for Liberation
and our people. Rest in Peace. Thank you for Serving
Humanity.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/jay.shortbutfunky?hc_ref=ARQFFYxIveFL9OAxnY8e-W9iqiNZKSUliSPK_mnAVjJQXTHthHCzIKanpQNhfZs6eBI&fref=nf">JR
Valrey</a></strong></p>
<p>RIP Black Panther elder <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a>! A giant among men. Rest easy.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/Ericka-Huggins-15875623977/?hc_ref=ARSXcPHzLa-FMcdGufmBSdhLtQi_9_9JVz_hTh1orBVeEH6GUGIjAfwzY1qbP2J4QP0">Ericka
Huggins</a></strong></p>
<p>My friend, Elbert “Big Man” Howard, passed on today
after a long illness. I was honored to know and love him
over the years, and he’ll always hold a special place in
my heart. Blessings on your journey, my friend.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/stretch.peterson">Clarence
Peterson</a></strong></p>
<p>To Black Panthers everywhere: Elbert Howard, our Big
Man, has passed onto the ancestors. But we who are left
behind will rejoice in his legacy of dedicated service
to the people.</p>
<p>Our Big Man will be remembered for his strong, stern
yet gentle demeanor around all the young Panthers he
came into contact with. Guidance was his way of making a
Panther out of you.</p>
<p>Our thoughts and love go out to Carole, his wife and
the family.</p>
<p>ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!</p>
<p>– National Alumni Association of the Black Panther
Party</p>
<div id="attachment_75105" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Afeni-Shakur-BPP-Min.-of-Education-Ray-Masai-Hewitt-Philly-090770-web.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Afeni-Shakur-BPP-Min.-of-Education-Ray-Masai-Hewitt-Philly-090770-web.jpg?resize=600%2C403"
alt="" height="389" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man holds a news
conference in Philadelphia on Sept. 7, 1970, with
Afeni Shakur, mother of Tupac and a Black Panther, and
BPP Minister of Education Ray “Masai” Hewitt.</p>
</div>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010145762689&fref=ufi">Skip
Shockley</a></strong></p>
<p>Big Man, I will and we will always love you.</p>
<p>– Dallas Chapter Alumni</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.mccutchen1?fref=ufi">Steve
McCutchen</a></strong></p>
<p>Big Man. He cast a giant shadow. Truly, an ox for the
people to ride.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/StephenShames?hc_ref=ARQ6h0KthQfeO4gnV3PShJIvdEfRiKmT6LqNYpv4DhgzcgcN-uJIR508q70nKVt2I2E&fref=nf">Stephen
Shames</a></strong></p>
<p>Elbert Big Man Howard passed away today. Big Man was
the heart of the Panthers and a warrior for justice. I
had the honor of being his friend and I will miss him.
His legacy will continue to inspire all of us.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/henry.wallace.779?hc_ref=ARTUPJ5bCiWPvEXggMNQNDg2Atfw6lH_H3pToi2jRroAGEkUr6RXJpmd3YdrnXOs8jc">Henry
L. Wallace</a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_75091" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panthers-Drill-w-Big-Man-Free-Huey-Rally-DeFremery-Park-0768-by-Pirkle-Jones-web.jpg"><img
src="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panthers-Drill-w-Big-Man-Free-Huey-Rally-DeFremery-Park-0768-by-Pirkle-Jones-web.jpg?resize=600%2C404"
alt="" height="390" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">In this iconic Black Panther
Party photo, Panthers drill at a Free Huey Rally in
Lil Bobby Hutton (DeFremery) Park in West Oakland in
July 1968. Big Man, a military veteran who taught
other Panthers how to handle guns, is on the right.
Here, in what’s now called the Bobby Hutton Grove in
DeFremery Park at 18th and Adeline, Oakland, is where
Big Man’s Aug. 25 Celebration of Life will be held.
Panthers and supporters have called on Oakland to
rename the entire park, central to many Panther
activities, for Lil Bobby Hutton the party’s first
martyr and first and youngest member, assassinated by
Oakland police at age 17 on April 6, 1968, two days
after the assassination of Martin Luther King.
Recently, after 50 years, the city took the first step
by naming the grove of trees in the park for Hutton. –
Photo: Pirkle Jones</p>
</div>
<p>My prayers go out to the family of one of the strongest
Comrades that I had the privilege of knowing. <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a> (Big Man), one of the original founders of
the Original Black Panther Party for Self Defense,
passed away. He’s the brother on the far right side of
this picture. As he would say, “ALL THE POWER BELONGS TO
THE PEOPLE!”</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/rvincent1?hc_ref=ARQDwUlISUOl5MnjHT7cBhGJKXuBou4aAk321zPJe2QoNlvW6Zmc6fHpfyU06DptsvQ&fref=nf">Rickey
Vincent</a></strong></p>
<p>There are OG’s and there are OG’s. Elbert “Big Man”
Howard was an original member of the Black Panther Party
for Self Defense. He drove the cars in some of the first
police patrols, and traveled the world as a trusted
international spokesperson for the BPP. Meeting him
changed my life and the direction of my work. Mourning
the loss of this great man that passed away today.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/vance.s.sanders?hc_ref=ARQmSNK7yTdj1VlpSRe_h4keF7H2BCNksLpRKwmW96pbGlAO2Zfr5mmcCam2v5dVnPE">Min
Stretch Sanders</a></strong></p>
<p>Rest in Power, Big Man. You were a legend, and your
legacy will live on.</p>
<p>Thank you for serving the people Heart, Mind, Body and
Soul. All Power to the People!</p>
<p>God bless the family.</p>
<div id="attachment_75106" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Kathleen-Cleaver-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Angela-Davis.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Kathleen-Cleaver-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-Angela-Davis.jpg?resize=410%2C279"
alt="" height="279" width="410"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Kathleen Cleaver, now a law
professor, poses with Big Man and Angela Davis.
Kathleen is coming to speak at Big Man’s Celebration
of Life on Aug. 25.</p>
</div>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/babazayid?hc_ref=ARTPQraPAH-pk3RjxQBYCwcvgqOaUEoIRZH-zbExIdw1sUb8j5rwvuJdaV_rvOf5oLg">Baba
Zayid</a></strong></p>
<p>Elbert “Big Man” Howard passes at 80! He was one of the
“Original 6,” one of the six founding members of the
Black Panther Party!</p>
<p>First deputy Minister of Information, editor of the
Black Panther newspaper, top international diplomat,
organizer and people’s soldier. Devoted to his last
breath!</p>
<p>On the gallant wings of his giant heart, “Big Man” has
left us for “The Land of the Ancestors”!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.melrod">Jonathan
Melrod</a></strong></p>
<p>RIP Comrade Big Man, co-founder of the Black Panther
Party and editor of the Party paper. I am so proud and
honored to have become your friend and comrade after you
moved to Sonoma County and joined the local struggle for
justice.</p>
<h3><span>I sold the Panther paper on the street corners
of Madison, Wisconsin, some 45 years before we met.
You and your fellow Panthers are a continuing
inspiration for all of us who strive for a better
world – and in your death, we salute your courage and
dedication to the people.</span></h3>
<p>I can’t tell you how many days I sold the Panther paper
on the street corners of Madison, Wisconsin, some 45
years before we met. You and your fellow Panthers are a
continuing inspiration for all of us who strive for a
better world – and in your death, we salute your courage
and dedication to the people. RIP!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/tory.ware?hc_ref=ARTm7BHpZN8hDeLSJcOcGj8Dw4eIeI_YSTPPTxodowqeGhKjTa9I9KEJLEian6GYUX8">Tory
Ware</a></strong></p>
<p><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/black?source=feed_text">#Black</a>
<a
href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/panthers?source=feed_text">#Panthers</a>
paid the cost. These guys paid the ultimate sacrifices.</p>
<p>I’ve listened to the elders and I’ve watched the
elders. They would always make it so clear how they will
fight for freedom for all people – in particular, Black
people and for political prisoners who’ve been
railroaded through the courts.</p>
<div id="attachment_75107" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-%E2%80%98Big-Man%E2%80%99-Howard-Dr.-Tolbert-Small-Emory-Douglas-at-BPP-40th-reunion-1006.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-%E2%80%98Big-Man%E2%80%99-Howard-Dr.-Tolbert-Small-Emory-Douglas-at-BPP-40th-reunion-1006.jpg?resize=410%2C336"
alt="" height="336" width="410"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">The caption for this photo,
taken in October 2006, on Dr. Tolbert Small’s website
reads: “Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard, the fourth person to
join the Black Panthers, presents Dr. Small with a
newspaper article about him from the Memphis Tri-State
Defender at the BPP 40th reunion. From left: Howard;
Bert Small; Emory Douglas, former BPP Minister of
Culture.” Emory and Kathleen Cleaver will be speaking
at Big Man’s Celebration of Life on Aug. 25.</p>
</div>
<p>“Won’t stop till my heart stops,” they would say till
their last breath. Young folk, write, lend hands, send
money and do whatever you can to help anyone who has
paid the ultimate sacrifices. These are y’all’s duties
on Earth as well.</p>
<p>These guys are my friends. They are my elders. My joy.
My earthly foundation. Panthers in Peace: Elbert “Big
Man” Howard and Richard Brown. One Love!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.kanga?fref=ufi">Susan
Shireen Kanga</a></strong></p>
<p>Thank you for sharing these beautiful words, Carole.
Evan, Lucia and I are honored to have known Big Man and
very glad for the good times we’ve all shared over the
years. Our condolences to you, Tynisa, Jaylen, Amin and
all your family. We grieve Big Man’s passing but know
his spirit will soar, just as it did during his
lifetime.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/cyril.innis.jr?fref=ufi">Cyril
Innis Jr</a>.</strong></p>
<p>Sister Carole, thank you for those words of love and
respect. You and the family have an extended family here
with Panthers here in New York, as I stated earlier. Big
Man was a True Revolutionary Warrior and Servant of the
People and will always be with all of us who are real to
the struggle for Liberation and Freedom.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/stephen.gross.9?fref=ufi">Stephen
Gross</a></strong></p>
<p>It was a privilege and an honor getting to know you
both and I was thrilled that the interviews and story we
did for the Press Democrat allowed me to nose into Big
Man’s history and learn about where his heart and spirit
were at – and how honest and caring he was. I loved
whenever he asked me to fill in for him when he couldn’t
be there to do his KGGV radio show – he said we had
similar tastes. I feel honored to have been touched by
him.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/robertedmonds?hc_ref=ARS7YdzxrbzAmF33esQsynQaYfSEk-lEVJllAXrf0p8SeQBYUZZ0bx4fShKXh1X5XG0">Robert
Edmonds</a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_75108" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard.jpg"><img
src="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard.jpg?resize=394%2C408"
alt="" height="408" width="394"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Elbert “Big Man” Howard</p>
</div>
<p><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a>, you will be missed in this world by so
many, and by me. I’m so sorry I didn’t come to visit you
like I had intended these past couple of months.</p>
<p>When I first got the opportunity to meet you 11 years
ago, I was so starstruck and in awe of this amazing
person who had founded the BPP and was doing
revolutionary work in the community two years before I
was even born. I didn’t know what to expect or feel like
I was worthy of sitting at the table with such a social
justice giant to work on issues of police brutality in
our community.</p>
<p>You and Carole Hyams both made me recognize how
important it was to be at that table – and to keep
showing up in the street to do the work. You both
continued to show up at all the things we worked at for
as long as was possible.</p>
<p>As I had the opportunity to work with you over the
years, I understood so many things by your example. You
often had an economy of words, quietly taking in the
conversations, weighing the arguments, then dispensing
with the official bullshit narratives with incisive and
often blistering commentary on the way things needed to
be, and what was really going on in this world.</p>
<p>From you, more than any other, I learned that there is
a time for quiet, kind, good-natured countenance, but
there is also a time to fiercely gnash teeth and lay
bare the truth, come what may. If someone does not take
the risk, then neither will the next.</p>
<p>Passive indifference is a learned behavior, just as
much as revolutionary practice. There are too many
teaching the former, and so few examples from which to
learn the latter.</p>
<h3><span>You were a true example of what it means to
resist, to revolt and to lead with quiet, consistent
strength and humility.</span></h3>
<p>You were a true example of what it means to resist, to
revolt and to lead with quiet, consistent strength and
humility. Thank you for always supporting your community
and for the support you showed me in the work I’ve been
involved in over the years, much of which was modeled
after the work you did with the BPP. It has truly been
an honor to learn from such a great man. Rest in power,
Big Man.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/desiree.poindexter">Desiree
Poindexter</a></strong></p>
<p>With a heavy heart, we honor our dear friend and hero,
the amazing and kind Elbert Howard who passed away
yesterday. Elbert “Big Man” Howard was a co-founder of
the Black Panther Party and involved in so many amazing
community projects throughout his life.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to call him a friend and work with
him on several community projects, including as a
co-founder of local community radio station KWTF Sonoma
County. A true community activist, inspiration, hero and
friend, he taught me a lot about community and the
importance of community activism and participation.</p>
<p>You are with us always, Big Man. My love and hugs go
out to his family and friends. We love you Big Man.</p>
<div id="attachment_75111" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-%E2%80%98Big-Man%E2%80%99-Howard-hosts-Jazz-Connections-on-KRCB-FM-Rohnert-Park-1-by-Gabe-Meline-web.jpg"><img
src="https://i1.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-%E2%80%98Big-Man%E2%80%99-Howard-hosts-Jazz-Connections-on-KRCB-FM-Rohnert-Park-1-by-Gabe-Meline-web.jpg?resize=600%2C450"
alt="" height="435" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man is at the controls
hosting his show, Jazz Connections, on KRCB-FM in
Rohnert Park. He played jazz on several stations,
eventually helping to found KWTF Sonoma County. –
Photo: Gabe Meline</p>
</div>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/caitlinchilds?hc_ref=ARQJaqxxF44kQGBYN8Twz6RDpOZfVyTY0dWHeDjttcKBH-3oFLguMfYnKeklHqfPm8o&fref=nf">Caitlin
Childs</a></strong></p>
<p>Really hard to know what to say right now when words
feel inadequate to really share what an incredible human
the world lost today. <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a> was one of my personal heroes, along with
being my friend.</p>
<p>He was a co-founder of the Black Panther Party and had
an amazing message to share of how communities can pitch
in to take care of one another. And a few years ago, he
co-founded <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/KWTF88.1fm/?fref=mentions">KWTF
Sonoma County</a> with our friends.</p>
<p>I loved having a chance to get to know him better. My
heart goes out to his family and everyone who loved him.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/jorgen.dragsdahl?fref=mentions">Jørgen
Johannes Dalitz Dragsdahl</a></strong></p>
<p>For many people in Scandinavia, Big Man will be
remembered as the international face of BPP, because he
in the early ‘70s stayed here in Denmark for many months
– organizing solidarity activities, speaking etc. I am
so happy two of my daughters met my old friend at the
2016 reunion. We will remember him as a warm and strong
human being, and we also send you, Carole, our best
wishes.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/stanmcknny">Stan
Mckinney</a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_75092" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-originals-1166-Big-Man-Huey-Sherman-Forte-Bobby-Seale-Reggie-Forte-Lil-Bobby-Hutton.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-originals-1166-Big-Man-Huey-Sherman-Forte-Bobby-Seale-Reggie-Forte-Lil-Bobby-Hutton.jpg?resize=365%2C300"
alt="" height="300" width="365"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">These are the “Original 6,”
the founding fathers of the Black Panther Party for
Self-Defense: Elbert “Big Man” Howard, Huey P. Newton,
Sherman Forte, Bobby Seale, Reggie Forte and Lil Bobby
Hutton.</p>
</div>
<p>Big Man is standing right of co-founder of the Black
Panther Party Minister Huey P. Newton. Big Man was one
of the original founding members and a leading member of
the party’s leadership Central Committee, a great
soldier and servant of the people.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/rashad.byrdsong">Rashad
Byrdsong</a></strong></p>
<p>Bro. Big Man Howard made transition and is with the
ancestors. An original Panther who had a national and
international presence.</p>
<p>May Allah grant him paradise!</p>
<p>Rest in power, comrade!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/dave.stroud?hc_ref=ARS_i5QSaw0eNxwPoYn783O4Uoh83TDWRzcmDJZ12IhY9SvD-MzwAbpcSPPtkS64ZLA&fref=nf">Dave
Stroud</a></strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>R.I.P. Big Man. An inspiration to many for his
commitment, participation and leadership through action.
I was lucky to have known him. A kind, gentle, but firm
gentleman who could hold court with only a few words. My
heart goes out to you, Carole.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/jonina.abronervin?hc_ref=ARTlYw2h3DanI4zTeL2TTdKwylXElqGRf57yDx-GN3IXq_K4ofnXqrEbs502-4zf4v8&fref=nf">JoNina
Abron-Ervin</a></strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>R.I.P., Comrade “Big Man.” All Power to the People!</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/matthewizen">Matthew
Izen</a></strong></p>
<p><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-cover-pic-story-081011-Bohemian.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-cover-pic-story-081011-Bohemian.jpg?resize=410%2C517"
alt="" height="517" width="410"></a>With a heavy
heart, we say goodbye to Elbert “Big Man” Howard. A
leader, an inspiration and an unflinching advocate for
marginalized communities. I’m thankful for your
willingness to put up with a random white boy from the
suburbs hounding you about music and making t-shirts.
Here is Big Man, pictured on the front of the Bohemian,
wearing a shirt I helped design and print. Rest in
power, Big Man. The fight for equality continues and
your legacy lives on.”</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/michael.hale.564?hc_ref=ARRjtR6O6a7B9rFiPdLkBcs72udeLkY55Pz3ZMvToYr4IW47UMCm7M76btlHD6-NVKg&fref=nf">Michael
Hale</a></strong></p>
<p>Rest in Power, Big Man <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a>, one of the original Black Panther leaders.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have met you and
Carole shortly after I moved to Santa Rosa. Like the
Panthers’ overall leadership style, I was always
impressed by your kindness, your generosity and your
ability to cut through the nonsense in a political
conversation with sharp, plainly spoken analysis. You
will be missed, but not forgotten.</p>
<h3><strong>Big Man’s daughter and cousin </strong></h3>
<p><strong>From <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/tynisa.howard?hc_ref=ARS1NIbV3NOkXDdcb63qPaB7F5o7uuvy7NGM6BmADVfO4iPv3BaqsEIeLkN2wXCanbQ&fref=nf">Tynisa
Wilson</a></strong></p>
<p>Today I lost someone so special, so great – my daddy, <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a>. May you rest in power! Words alone cannot
express how much you will be missed. Thank you for all
you have sacrificed to make the world a better place for
us as a race. I will forever be grateful. Love you, Big
Man!</p>
<p>I want to take this time to thank everyone for their
condolences and for honoring my father by sharing his
story and praising his greatness. <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a> has done so much for his community and for
his people, but for me he made his presence known and
taught me that education is the only thing nobody can’t
take from you and it’s your most lethal weapon.</p>
<p>He also taught me to follow my heart and for every
problem there is a solution; you just have to organize
and execute fearlessly. Words alone cannot express how
much he will be missed. He was my hero. R.I.P., Daddy.</p>
<div id="attachment_75095" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-daughter-Tynisa-Wilson-grandsons-Amin-and-Jaylen-2015-by-Carole-Hyams-web-1.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-daughter-Tynisa-Wilson-grandsons-Amin-and-Jaylen-2015-by-Carole-Hyams-web-1.jpg?resize=600%2C450"
alt="" height="435" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man proudly embraces his
daughter Tynisa and grandsons Amin and Jaylen in a
photo taken in 2015. – Photo: Carole Hyams-Howard</p>
</div>
<p>*****</p>
<p><strong>From </strong><strong><a
href="https://www.facebook.com/tammi.n.moore?hc_ref=ART1zGKzR2pPwleCPo71aOxEo05K1Tp8KaMDn1_ECsm7-aTDJPlNA0SZ3vGi1oyegZQ">Tammi
Moore Miller</a></strong></p>
<p>My cousin, a quiet man, who lived his life with passion
for people and a great love of music and family, has
joined the ancestors. My heart was saddened for the
loss.</p>
<p>However, my spirit is overjoyed with love, honor and
respect for the man who lived a life that illustrated to
the world that each of us has the power to impact
change. He spent his life fighting for the people … all
over the world. He encouraged me to believe that I could
make a difference and change my world by holding
steadfast to my values.</p>
<h3><span>As the family, community, nation and world
recognize the contributions of <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a> and one of his favorite sayings “All
Power to the People”… remember, we are those People
and the Power is ours!</span></h3>
<p>We all have the opportunity to speak and act when we
see that change must come. As the family, community,
nation and world recognize the contributions of <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010781161752&fref=mentions">Elbert
Howard</a> and one of his favorite sayings “All Power
to the People”… remember, we are those People and the
Power is ours!</p>
<h3><strong>Big Man in the mainstream media</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_75096" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-Party-Deputy-Minister-of-Information-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-holds-sidewalk-news-conf-in-DC-112770-by-Charles-W.-Harrity-AP.jpeg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-Party-Deputy-Minister-of-Information-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-holds-sidewalk-news-conf-in-DC-112770-by-Charles-W.-Harrity-AP.jpeg?resize=600%2C401"
alt="" height="388" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Black Panther Party Deputy
Minister of Information Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard holds
a sidewalk news conference in Washington, D.C., on
Nov. 27, 1970. This is the photo chosen by the New
York Times and the Associated Press for their
obituaries. Paul Coates, owner of Black Classic Press
and father of Ta-Nehisi Coates, describes it this way
on Big Man’s Facebook page: “Big man in DC. I think
this in front of or a little down from the
Headquarters where people were moved for this press
conference on the Constitutional Convention. If you
were there, please correct me. That’s my memory. I had
to post because of Big Man and all the others that
this photo captures: Robert Bey, Robert Webb, Audrey
Jones, Micheal Torrance, and I’m pretty sure that’s
Jim Williams in the background and so many others.” –
Photo: Charles W. Harrity, AP</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Associated Press</strong>: <a
href="https://apnews.com/be863357cf01469ab570fc0dba5a8d69/Black-Panther-Party-co-founder-Elbert-%22Big-Man%22-Howard-dies">https://apnews.com/be863357cf01469ab570fc0dba5a8d69/Black-Panther-Party-co-founder-Elbert-%22Big-Man%22-Howard-dies</a>
This story was published in <strong>The San Francisco
Chronicle; The San Jose Mercury News; The Washington
Post; The Scotsman, Scotland’s National Newspaper; The
Los Angeles Times; The Press Herald of Portland,
Maine; The Sunday Herald of Scotland; The Province of
British Columbia; The </strong><strong>Arizona Daily
Star</strong> and more. A quote from the story that
has now been enjoyed around the world reads: “He (Big
Man) was a beloved member (of the Black Panther Party),”
(Billy X) Jennings said. “People might have had
different grudges against Bobby (Seale) or Eldridge
(Cleaver), but nobody got a grudge against Big Man.”</p>
<h3><span>A quote from the Associated Press obituary that
has now been enjoyed around the world reads: “He (Big
Man) was a beloved member (of the Black Panther
Party),” (Billy X) Jennings said. “People might have
had different grudges against Bobby (Seale) or
Eldridge (Cleaver), but nobody got a grudge against
Big Man.”</span></h3>
<p><strong>New York Times</strong>: <a
href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/26/obituaries/elbert-howard-a-founder-of-the-black-panthers-dies-at-80.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/26/obituaries/elbert-howard-a-founder-of-the-black-panthers-dies-at-80.html</a></p>
<p><strong>Democracy Now</strong>: <a
href="https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/24/headlines/founding_black_panther_party_member_elbert_big_man_howard_dies">https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/24/headlines/founding_black_panther_party_member_elbert_big_man_howard_dies</a></p>
<p><strong>Santa Rosa Press Democrat</strong>: <a
href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8564329-181/black-panthers-co-founder-elbert-big?sba=AAS">http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8564329-181/black-panthers-co-founder-elbert-big?sba=AAS</a>;
also, a reprint of a December 2012 Press Democrat
tribute to Big Man with some little known information
that is no longer available on their site: <a
href="http://pachline.org/pach-board-member-recognized-in-press-democrat/">http://pachline.org/pach-board-member-recognized-in-press-democrat/</a></p>
<div id="attachment_75097" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-Party-Deputy-Minister-of-Information-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-holds-sidewalk-news-conf-in-DC-112770-by-Stephen-Shames.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Panther-Party-Deputy-Minister-of-Information-Elbert-Big-Man-Howard-holds-sidewalk-news-conf-in-DC-112770-by-Stephen-Shames.jpg?resize=600%2C403"
alt="" height="390" width="580"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">This photo of the same news
conference shows how many reporters Big Man could
attract on a moment’s notice. The original BPP
minister of education, he had become “deputy” to
Eldridge Cleaver, but when Cleaver was forced into
exile, Big Man resumed the role of principle party
spokesperson. That day, Nov. 27, 1970, was the opening
day for the Black Panther Party Revolutionary People’s
Convention in Philadelphia that has been called one of
the most significant events of the Black Power period.
– Photo: Stephen Shames</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Smithsonian</strong>: <a
href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/black-panther-co-founder-elbert-howard-has-died-80-180969764/">https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/black-panther-co-founder-elbert-howard-has-died-80-180969764/</a></p>
<p><strong>Face2FaceAfrica</strong>: <a
href="https://face2faceafrica.com/article/real-life-black-panther-hero-elbert-big-man-howard-dies-at-age-80">https://face2faceafrica.com/article/real-life-black-panther-hero-elbert-big-man-howard-dies-at-age-80</a></p>
<p><strong>People’s World</strong>: <a
href="https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/activist-and-black-panther-co-founder-elbert-big-man-howard-dies-at-80/">https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/activist-and-black-panther-co-founder-elbert-big-man-howard-dies-at-80/</a></p>
<p><strong>Stuttgarter-Zeitung, Germany</strong>: <a
href="https://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.elbert-big-man-howard-black-panthers-gruendungsmitglied-gestorben.bae8917f-ffa5-4ca9-b4c8-7228be6d7f34.html">https://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.elbert-big-man-howard-black-panthers-gruendungsmitglied-gestorben.bae8917f-ffa5-4ca9-b4c8-7228be6d7f34.html</a></p>
<p><strong>Deutschlandradio</strong>: <a
href="https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/usa-gruendungsmitglied-der-black-panther-party-gestorben.2849.de.html?drn:news_id=907200">https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/usa-gruendungsmitglied-der-black-panther-party-gestorben.2849.de.html?drn:news_id=907200</a></p>
<p><strong>MinuteNews of France</strong>: <a
href="https://www.minutenews.fr/actualite/black-panther-mort-delbert-howard-membre-fondateur-du-parti-397360.html">https://www.minutenews.fr/actualite/black-panther-mort-delbert-howard-membre-fondateur-du-parti-397360.html</a></p>
<p><strong>Oxygen</strong>: <a
href="https://www.oxygen.com/very-real/elbert-howard-black-panther-party-co-founder-dies-80">https://www.oxygen.com/very-real/elbert-howard-black-panther-party-co-founder-dies-80</a></p>
<h3><strong>Big Man’s journalism</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_75109" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Media-Appreciation-Night-Big-Man-accepts-Black-Resistance-Media-Legacy-Award-to-Black-Panther-newspaper-112612-by-Bill-Jennings-Its-About-Time.jpg"><img
src="https://i2.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Media-Appreciation-Night-Big-Man-accepts-Black-Resistance-Media-Legacy-Award-to-Black-Panther-newspaper-112612-by-Bill-Jennings-Its-About-Time.jpg?resize=290%2C291"
alt="" height="290" width="290"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">On the Bay View’s first Black
Media Appreciation Night on Nov. 26, 2012, a highlight
of the night was Big Man’s acceptance of the Black
Resistance Media Legacy Award on behalf of The Black
Panther newspaper; he was its founding editor. –
Photo: Bill Jennings, It’s About Time</p>
</div>
<p>A compilation of his stories published by the Sonoma
County Gazette: <a
href="https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/elbert-big-man-howard-joined-the-ancestors-today-july-23-2018#.W1dnZpXb-Wk.facebook">https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/elbert-big-man-howard-joined-the-ancestors-today-july-23-2018#.W1dnZpXb-Wk.facebook</a></p>
<p>Article on Big Man’s radio career playing his favorite
jazz: <a
href="https://www.kqed.org/arts/11330280/original-black-panther-elbert-big-man-howard-broadcasts-jazzs-liberation">https://www.kqed.org/arts/11330280/original-black-panther-elbert-big-man-howard-broadcasts-jazzs-liberation</a></p>
<p>Stories by and about Big Man published by the Bay View:</p>
<ul>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2018/04/in-remembrance-kiilu-nyasha/">In
remembrance: Kiilu Nyasha</a>, April 12, 2018</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2017/09/grove-street-college/">Grove
Street College</a>, Sept. 29, 2017</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/12/reflections-on-the-oakland-firetrap-inferno/">Reflections
on the Oakland firetrap inferno</a>, Dec. 10, 2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/11/the-need-for-a-united-front-against-fascism/">The
need for a united front against fascism</a>, Nov.
30, 2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/10/revolutionary-50-years-of-the-black-panther-party/">Revolutionary
50 years of the Black Panther Party</a>, Oct. 29,
2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/08/big-man-reflections-of-my-life-experiences-todays-conditions/">Big
Man: Reflections of my life experiences, today’s
conditions</a>, Aug. 10, 2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/03/my-take-on-the-black-panthers-vanguard-of-the-revolution/">My
take on ‘The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the
Revolution’</a>, March 31, 2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2016/02/original-black-panther-elbert-big-man-howard-broadcasts-jazz-liberation/">Original
Black Panther Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard broadcasts
jazz liberation</a>, Feb. 23, 2016</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2015/08/concerning-reactionaries-and-thugs-the-new-black-panther-party/">Concerning
reactionaries and thugs: The New Black Panther Party</a>,
Aug. 23, 2015</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2015/07/the-legacy-lives-on-black-panther-party-co-founder-elbert-big-man-howard-carries-the-message-to-san-diego-youth/">The
legacy lives on: Black Panther Party founding member
Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard carries the message to San
Diego youth</a>, July 16, 2015</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_75110" class="wp-caption"><a
href="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Big-Man-in-Andy-Lopez-T-shirt-2014-by-Susanna-Lamaina-web.jpg"><img
src="https://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Big-Man-in-Andy-Lopez-T-shirt-2014-by-Susanna-Lamaina-web.jpg?resize=290%2C406"
alt="" height="406" width="290"></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Big Man played a major role
in the struggle for justice for Andy Lopez, helping to
form a strong Black-Brown coalition led by Latino
students. Andy was murdered at the age of only 13 by a
sheriff’s deputy in Santa Rosa who saw Andy walking to
a friend’s house carrying a toy gun that other
witnesses said was obviously a toy. – Photo: Susanna
Lamaina</p>
</div>
<ul>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2015/06/former-black-panther-elbert-big-man-howard-celebrated-at-aclu-luncheon/">Former
Black Panther Elbert ‘Big Man’ Howard celebrated at
ACLU luncheon</a>, June 1, 2015</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2014/07/in-memory-of-andy-lopez-turn-a-negative-into-a-positive/">In
memory of Andy Lopez: Turn a negative into a
positive</a>, July 18, 2014. The murder in Santa
Rosa by law enforcement of Andy Lopez, 13, in October
2013 prompted Big Man, with the Police Accountability
Clinic and Helpline (PACH) he founded, to play a major
role in the years of protest that followed. On Dec.
29, 2013, he gave a speech to the Sonoma County Board
of Supervisors that is published by the Sonoma County
Gazette at <a
href="https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/sonoma-county-news-article-2247.html">https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/
sonoma-county-news-article-2247.html</a>.</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2011/05/sonoma-honors-big-man%e2%80%99s-50th-year-of-community-service/">Sonoma
honors Big Man’s 50th year of community service</a>,
May 10, 2011</li>
<li><a
href="http://sfbayview.com/2010/02/my-thoughts-on-%e2%80%98showdown-in-desire-the-black-panthers-take-a-stand-in-new-orleans%e2%80%99/">My
thoughts on ‘Showdown in Desire: The Black Panthers
take a stand in New Orleans’</a>, Feb. 19, 2010</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>A message to us from Big Man</strong></h3>
<p>“Settle and forget petty arguments that provide no
answers or positive steps toward solutions. There may
not be any easy answers. To move forward takes trust, a
willingness to listen and open mindedness.” – Big Man,
Aug. 13, 2017</p>
<p><em>Big Man’s loving and beloved wife, now widow,
Carole Hyams-Howard, can be reached at </em><em><a
href="mailto:carolehyams@gmail.com">carolehyams@gmail.com</a></em><em>.
</em></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<br>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415 863.9977
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://freedomarchives.org/">https://freedomarchives.org/</a>
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