Our Phone Conversation Today (From Larry to Brother Billy X)
Comrade brother Billy,
It was really fantastic hearing your voice on the phone this morning after all
these many years. I salute and compliment you for your much needed work in
carrying on the legacy of the Black Panther Party. It is, as you know, of
immense importance both historically and currently.
After speaking with you this morning on the phone (re: Landon's ph.#), I
telephoned sister Kathleen (Cleaver) and left her a message letting her know
that we spoke. Kathleen is someone for whom I maintain the utmost respect and
admiration.
With reference to the UN matter that I alluded to, the following information may
be of interest to you: I am the only "American", nonlawyer, and former Black
Panther who successfully self authored/litigated a case to the UNITED NATIONS
HRC (Human Rights Committee) under international law (specifically the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.) [Reference: 1) The
Burning Spear (UHURU) newspaper, Oakland, CA, July, 1983, article entitled,
'U.S., Canada, in case of black prisoner Violate International Law' 2) the
Associated Press (AP) carried the news of the landmark UN ruling worldwide, on
December 15, 1981,---see also the Ottawa Citizen daily newspaper, Ottawa,
Canada, 12/15/81, dateline Geneva (AP) article entitled, 'Canada Violated Rights
Agreement' re the UN ruling in my case and 3) The Province daily newspaper,
December 15, 1981, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, article entitled, '
Violated '. Also, there are at least two books published by the UNITED NATIONS
which refer to my case, copyright UN General Assembly, New York, 1982, and 1985,
respectively. The UNITED NATIONS HRC finally ruled in my favor under articles 14
(3) (c), and 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Having been a member of the BPP, I credit the Black Panther Party for having
instilled me with discipline and determination which, in large measure, had
given me the fortitude to successfully self author/litigate my case from prison
to the United Nations, which took me over five years. Thus, the BLACK PANTHER
PARTY should receive recognition and credit for that United Nations ruling, not
merely me.
Fortunately, I had also had the privilege of serving as the CoChairman of the
San Francisco Black Caucus, which of course had a close and "warm relationship"
with the Black Panther Party. [Reference: THE BLACK PANTHER (newspaper)
Intercommunal News Service, dated October 21, 1972, pages 6 & 12, article
entitled, 'A CAUCUS FOR THE COMMUNITY: The San Francisco Black Caucus Serves The
People'.] I also served as regional minister of interior with the Republic of
New Africa (RNA), and later became chairman of the Black National Independence
Party (BNIP), but it always was (will always be) the Black Panther Party, which
years previously had first trained me to think critically, and provided me with
consciousness, direction, and political education.
Anyway comrade, I thought the above historical information might be of interest
to you as a historian as you keep the legacy of the BPP alive and strong.
Indeed, the struggle continues.
Stay strong my brother.
All Power To the People,
Larry Pinkney
cc: Kathleen Cleaver
file copy
