ABOUT the film.

The Black Panthers are icons to many of us in the black community. They were young, hip, and cool, and they stood up to what Seattle Chapter Captain Aaron Dixon describes as “the biggest bully responsible for the deaths of millions and millions of innocent people.” Following Malcolm X's lead, they didn’t turn the other cheek. They told the oppressor, “You will NOT abuse me, and I WILL stand up for my rights.” As a black man born in America in 1962, my connection to and admiration for the Black Panthers is their radical, revolutionary fight for freedom. They were bold, proud, and unapologetic about fighting oppression.

Aaron Dixon describes a revolutionary as one who hates oppression and fights for all oppressed people, regardless of their skin color. The Black Panthers were revolutionaries before their time. Unlike how the US government and media portrayed them, they were NOT terrorists or extremists. They risked their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Today’s freedoms that are the result of yesterday’s sacrifices, blood and lives lost; the courage of young Black women and men, Black Panthers, who stood up for something larger than themselves; the freedom of ALL oppressed people.

Co-founder Elmer Dixon says, “We were fighting to change a racist, oppressive society. Thus, our programs were called survival programs. Survival pending revolution. Our Free Bussing to Prisons, Free Food, Free Pest Control, Legal Aid, and the Police Alert Patrols set the standard, leading the way to freedom as we were The Vanguard Party.”

The Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice & Freedom is their story. It is a story of our rich American history, a story about young American heroes and sheroes, our black brothers and sisters who sacrificed for us. This is their story, in their words. It is a story about OUR history, and a legacy that must never be lost or forgotten.

—Rick DuPree, Director

MEET THE TEAM.

  • Rick Dupree

    Director, Producer, and Executive Producer

    The first-time filmmaker combines his experience as a secondary school educator and coach, performer, and playwright to shape the Seattle Black Panther story. His experience as a mediator and facilitator, not to mention his broad community contact base, has been instrumental in securing the trust of the Seattle Black Panther comrades and the community in telling their stories.

  • Marques DuPree

    Director of Photography, Co-Director,
    Producer, and Editor

    A music producer, freelance and studio videographer, and producer for the last ten years, he has produced music videos, short films, interviews, and promotional videos. He has recruited and led production teams and has served in all the creative roles necessary to produce artistic expressions.

  • Gabrielle Johnson

    Assistant Editor

    Gabrielle is a filmmaker from South Carolina. She holds a BA in Communications from The University of South Carolina Aiken, and a Masters in Fine Arts (Film) from Howard University. Gabrielle has directed and produced her own documentary (Living in Silence) that brings awareness to the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and (Journey 2 Love) that focuses on individual own journey with the meaning of love. Gabrielle is excited to grow in her career as a filmmaker and director.

    Portfolio:
    radicallydope.com

  • John Twentyfive

    Visual Design & Art Direction

    A visual and graphic designer who cut his teeth designing records for punk bands from across the country. His passion for design comes from growing up skateboarding and his time spent in the punk and hardcore scenes, which have a close relationship to activist groups and communities.

    Portfolio:
    JohnTwentyfive.com

  • Gigi Gaston

    Social Media Manager

    Giovannie Gaston is a creative freelancer and recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a master's in film and media. They are a passionate person dedicated to boosting awareness and engagement for thought provoking and impactful stories that inspire change.

  • Che Sehyun

    Cinematographer, Photographer, and Editor

    Future Ancient cultural worker in light (video, photo & design) and vibrations (music, spoken word & storytelling) to center our cultural futures and collective liberation towards an indigenous future.

    Portfolio:
    CheSehyun.com
    TheFutureAncient.org

  • Jet Gerbier

    Photographer, Videographer, and Editor

    Bio coming soon.