Cuba, the black panther party and the US black movement in the 1960s: Issues of security

Abstract

During the 1960s strong ties of mutual support developed between the Black Panther Party and the revolutionary government of Cuba. These relations were also, however, often difficult and problematic. This paper argues that the problem stemmed from factional struggles among Cuba's leadership. One faction, lead by Ernesto “Che” Guevara, urged support for all revolutionary movements, including the Black Panther Party. Another more moderate faction wished to downplay such support as means of avoiding US reprisals. Ultimately this faction prevailed, leaving Cuban support for the Black Panther Party more rhetorical than real. While several members of the Black Panther Party and other African American radicals were granted asylum in Cuba, their political activities were severely restricted. Among this group, then, disillusionment set in as to the revolutionary sincerity of the Cuban regime.