Eldridge Cleaver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eldridge Cleaver
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Cleaver in 1968
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Leroy Eldridge Cleaver
August 31, 1935 Wabbaseka, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | May 1, 1998 (aged 62) Pomona, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Writer, political activist |
| Political party | Black Panther (1967–1971) Peace and Freedom (1968) Republican (1980s) |
| Movement | Black Power Movement Civil Rights Movement |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Leroy Eldridge Cleaver (born August 31, 1935 – died May 1, 1998) was an American writer and activist. He became an important early leader of the Black Panther Party. This group worked for civil rights and Black Power in the United States.
Contents
Eldridge Cleaver's Life Story
Early Life and Influences
Eldridge Cleaver was born in Wabbaseka, Arkansas. His family later moved to Phoenix and then to Los Angeles. He was one of five children. His grandfathers were both Protestant preachers. As a teenager, Eldridge faced some challenges.
A Voice for Change
In 1968, Cleaver wrote a famous book called Soul on Ice. This book was a collection of essays. It was praised by The New York Times Book Review as "brilliant and revealing." In his book, Cleaver shared his hopes for a better America. He believed that people could change and overcome racism.
Cleaver became a key member of the Black Panthers. He held important roles like Minister of Information. He also led the International Section of the Panthers. He was a powerful voice in the party. His influence was almost as strong as the founders, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. Cleaver was the editor of the official Black Panthers' newspaper, The Black Panther.
Life in Exile and Return
After some time, Cleaver lived outside the U.S. for seven years. He stayed in places like Cuba, Algeria, and France. When he returned to the U.S. in 1975, his life changed. He became involved with different religious groups. He also joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cleaver also changed his political views. He became a conservative Republican. He even appeared at Republican events.
In 1984, he tried to become part of the Berkeley City Council. He did not win that election. The next year, his marriage to Kathleen Neal Cleaver ended.
Eldridge Cleaver passed away on May 1, 1998. He was 62 years old. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, California.
See also
In Spanish: Eldridge Cleaver para niños
