“Judas and the Black Messiah,” featuring performances by LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya, was originally slated for an August 2020 release. Given the events of last summer, the timing would have been particularly poignant. This film stands out as one of the first major cinematic portrayals of the Black Panther Party, a pivotal political organization established in the 1960s. Kaluuya plays Fred Hampton, the Chairman of the Chicago chapter, who was tragically murdered by government forces during his peak influence. Stanfield portrays William O’Neal, the man who betrays Hampton and plays a direct role in his assassination.
While the narrative revolves around the betrayal of Hampton, it primarily focuses on O’Neal’s character. The film effectively illustrates the lengths to which the FBI would go to eliminate Hampton. O’Neal, a petty criminal, impersonates FBI agents to steal cars and ultimately agrees to infiltrate the Black Panther Party to avoid prison. After viewing the film, one might ponder whether facing jail time would have been a better choice. He ingratiates himself with Hampton, using an FBI-issued vehicle to transport Party members. Early on, his commitment to the Party is questioned, yet he quickly earns their trust. The film leaves viewers guessing whether O’Neal ever truly embraced the Party’s goals.
Though I’m not particularly religious, I’m familiar with the story of Judas Iscariot. The analogy of O’Neal as Judas to Hampton’s Jesus is fitting. O’Neal gains Hampton’s trust only to betray him, providing the FBI with detailed information about his residence. He escapes just before the police storm in, ultimately leading to Hampton’s death while he sleeps peacefully in bed.
For those unfamiliar with this historical context, “Judas and the Black Messiah” raises a significant question: Who was Fred Hampton, and why did FBI director J. Edgar Hoover label him as “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country”? The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s is often dominated by the names of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. However, many others played crucial roles in the struggle. The Black Panther Party aimed for more than mere equality; their mission was to empower the Black community and foster real change.
Fred Hampton, the dynamic leader of the Chicago chapter of the BPP, understood that the fight for freedom transcended race. He recognized the importance of solidarity among all marginalized groups. The film effectively captures Hampton’s revolutionary spirit and why he posed a threat to the status quo. A self-identified Marxist/Leninist, Hampton believed that true democracy could only be achieved by dismantling the power held by the wealthy elite.
Hampton’s intelligence and charisma were undeniable. He joined the BPP at just 20 and quickly ascended to a leadership role, captivating audiences with his speeches. This ability to engage and inspire made him a target for the FBI, who feared his influence. The film juxtaposes scenes of Hampton’s activism with the FBI’s relentless pursuit of him, showcasing the government’s perception of the Black Panthers as a terrorist organization.
On December 4, 1969, a raid by armed Chicago police led to the tragic death of Hampton and fellow Panther Mark Clark. Hampton was drugged by O’Neal, preventing him from defending himself during the assault. The portrayal of this harrowing event in the film is powerful, particularly through the performance of Dominique Fishback as Hampton’s fiancée, who witnesses the horror without shedding a tear.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” effectively tells a crucial story, leaving viewers with no sympathy for O’Neal. His attempts to justify his actions in a later interview are unsettling. The film benefits from insights from Hampton’s widow and son, helping to convey his legacy accurately.
This film serves as an important starting point for those seeking to learn more about the Black Panthers and their ongoing influence in the fight against police brutality. The legacy of Fred Hampton deserves recognition, and “Judas and the Black Messiah” is an excellent introduction to his life and impact.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is available for streaming on HBO Max until March 14th.