Lit Verlag Constructions of Black Panther Masculinity

Looking at Black Panther member George Jackson's prison letters which were published as Soledad Brother in 1970, this book examines the construction of black male identities in 1960s America. Marginalized by white middle class masculinity, Jackson considers himself disempowered and emasculated. However, Jackson's very own concepts of black masculinity and femininity are determined by stereotypes taken from white culture. Although Jackson, as a radical activist, fights against white supremacy, he orients himself around the gender dichotomy established by the very powers he is resisting.