Bobby Hutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bobby James Hutton
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Hutton outside the Oakland Police Department Jail
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| Born |
Robert James Hutton
April 21, 1950 |
| Died | April 6, 1968 (aged 17) |
| Resting place | Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Bobby Joe Hutton |
| Occupation | Political activist, Treasurer of Black Panther Party |
| Organization | Black Panther Party (1966-1968) |
| Movement | Black Power Movement, Black Liberation Movement |
Robert James Hutton (born April 21, 1950 – died April 6, 1968) was an important young member of the Black Panther Party. People often called him "Lil' Bobby." He was the very first person to join the party and also served as its treasurer. Bobby Hutton was involved in a serious event with police in Oakland, California, where he was killed. There are different stories about how he died. Some say he was surrendering, while police said he tried to run away.
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Bobby's Early Life
Bobby Hutton was born in Jefferson County, Arkansas. He was one of three children. His parents were John D. Hutton and Dolly Mae Mitchner-Hutton. When he was just three years old, his family moved to Oakland, California. This move happened during a time called the Great Migration. Many African American families moved from the Southern U.S. to the North and West for better opportunities. Bobby's family moved after facing threats in Arkansas.
Joining the Black Panther Party
Bobby Hutton met the people who started the Black Panther Party, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. They met at a community center in North Oakland. This center helped local young people with community projects.
In October 1966, when Bobby was 16 years old, he became the first person to officially join the Black Panther Party. He also became the party's first treasurer. The Black Panther Party was a group that worked for the rights and protection of African Americans.
In May 1967, Bobby Hutton was one of thirty Panthers who went to the state capitol in Sacramento. They were protesting a new law called the Mulford Act. This law would make it illegal to carry loaded guns in public. The Panthers walked into the state assembly building while carrying firearms. Bobby Hutton and four other Panthers were arrested that day.
His Final Day
On April 6, 1968, Bobby Hutton was killed by police officers in Oakland. This happened after a confrontation involving Eldridge Cleaver and twelve other Panthers. Two police officers were hurt during this event. The confrontation turned into a shootout at a house in West Oakland.
The reason for this confrontation was the sad news of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr..
After about 90 minutes, Bobby Hutton and Eldridge Cleaver gave up. Police had used tear gas on the building. There are different accounts of what happened next. Eldridge Cleaver said that Bobby Hutton was shot many times while he was surrendering. Cleaver had told Hutton to take off his clothes to show he was unarmed.
Another account from Kathleen Cleaver said Bobby was shy about taking off all his clothes. So, he only took off his shirt. Police said that Bobby tried to run away and did not listen to their commands to stop. But Eldridge Cleaver insisted that Bobby was shot with his hands up. Bobby Hutton was the first member of the Black Panther Party to die. He became a symbol for the cause of Black power.
Remembering Bobby Hutton
Bobby Hutton's funeral was held on April 12, 1968, in Berkeley, California. About 1,500 people came to say goodbye. After the funeral, a rally was held in Oakland. More than 2,000 people attended, and actor Marlon Brando gave a speech. Bobby Hutton was buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.
DeFremery Park in West Oakland, California, is now often called "Lil' Bobby Hutton Park." This name was given unofficially soon after his death. Every year since 1998, "Lil' Bobby Hutton Day" is held at the park. Family members and former Black Panther Party members organize this event. It includes speakers, performers, and art that celebrate Bobby Hutton's dedication to the party and his awareness of Black identity.
See also
In Spanish: Bobby Hutton para niños
