Fred Hampton

Biography

Fred Hampton was a prominent African-American activist and deputy chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party from 1966 until his assassination in 1969. He also founded the Rainbow Coalition, a multicultural organization that combined left-wing groups, and formed an alliance with Chicago street gangs to promote social change. Hampton began his activism in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, rising through the ranks as Youth Council President. His radical threat designation led to FBI attempts to subvert his activities.