In an era of stark racial injustice, Aaron Dixon dedicated his life to revolution, founding the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party in 1968 at age nineteen. In My People Are Rising, he traces the course of his own radicalization, and that of a generation. Through his eyes, we witness the courage and commitment of the young men and women who rose up in rebellion, risking their lives in the name of freedom. My People are Rising is an unforgettable tale of their triumphs and tragedies, and the enduring legacy of Black Power.
What People Are Saying
“This book is a moving memoir experience: a must read. The dramatic life cycle rise of a youthful sixties political revolutionary." Bobby Seale, founding Chairman and National Organizer of the Black Panther Party: 1966 to 1974
"Aaron Dixon is a courageous, compassionate, and wise freedom fighter whose story of his pioneering work in the Black Panther Party is powerful and poignant. Don't miss it!" Cornel West
“Dixon’s lyrical prose provides a candid appraisal of the Black Panther Party that highlights the neglected contributions of Northwest activists. This is a striking blend of social history, memoir and political analysis. Required reading for all those interested in black liberation struggles, and radical history of the 20th century.” Laura Chrisman, editor-in-chief, The Black Scholar
"My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain is the most authentic book ever written by a member of the Black Panther Party. Aaron Dixon does an absolutely superb job of presenting life in the Party from the perspective of a foot soldier—a warrior for the cause of revolutionary change and Black Power in America. He pulls no punches and holds nothing back in writing honestly about those times (late 1960’s and during the 1970’s) as he successfully presents a visual picture of the courage, commitment, and sometimes, shocking brutality of life as a Panther activist in Seattle, Washington and Oakland, California. This is an unforgettable must read book!" Larry Gossett, Chair Metropolitan King County Council
"There have been many books about the Black Panther party but never has there been a Panther book as illuminating as this memoir by Aaron Dixon. It's the story from a different perspective than we've ever seen: the former member who has remained a long-distance runner for revolution. It's indispensable for anyone with an interest in black politics or the politics of change in the United States." Dave Zirin, The Nation
"Aaron Dixon is a courageous, compassionate, and wise freedom fighter whose story of his pioneering work in the Black Panther Party is powerful and poignant. Don't miss it!" Cornel West
“Dixon’s lyrical prose provides a candid appraisal of the Black Panther Party that highlights the neglected contributions of Northwest activists. This is a striking blend of social history, memoir and political analysis. Required reading for all those interested in black liberation struggles, and radical history of the 20th century.” Laura Chrisman, editor-in-chief, The Black Scholar
"My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain is the most authentic book ever written by a member of the Black Panther Party. Aaron Dixon does an absolutely superb job of presenting life in the Party from the perspective of a foot soldier—a warrior for the cause of revolutionary change and Black Power in America. He pulls no punches and holds nothing back in writing honestly about those times (late 1960’s and during the 1970’s) as he successfully presents a visual picture of the courage, commitment, and sometimes, shocking brutality of life as a Panther activist in Seattle, Washington and Oakland, California. This is an unforgettable must read book!" Larry Gossett, Chair Metropolitan King County Council
"There have been many books about the Black Panther party but never has there been a Panther book as illuminating as this memoir by Aaron Dixon. It's the story from a different perspective than we've ever seen: the former member who has remained a long-distance runner for revolution. It's indispensable for anyone with an interest in black politics or the politics of change in the United States." Dave Zirin, The Nation