PANTHER
    BLACKOUT The SCREEN stands BLACK , like a chalkboard . or a grave . A SOUND builds , like a RADIO surfing channels . Snippets of SONGS - Joan Baez ' `` Blowin ' in the Wind , '' James Brown 's `` I Feel Good . '' The music of a different time . FOOTAGE IMAGES hit the screen : ROSA PARKS , Peace Demonstrators stuffing FLOWERS in the barrels of National Guard rifles . Protesters in Birmingham , rallies on the White House Lawn . Mixed in with the MUSIC comes NEWS BITES - quick catchwords of 60 's turmoil - `` More troops to Vietnam , '' `` Bus Boycott , '' `` Sit ins , '' `` Draft Dodgers , '' `` Malcolm X speaking . '' Then a SINGLE PHOTO settles on screen - a ROW of BLACK PANTHERS , fists raised , standing defiantly together . The IMAGE FREEZES .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    The Black Panthers.
    As the PHOTO FADES , LIGHTS APPEAR . A SHAPE takes form . The BAY BRIDGE arcs over silent water , spanning two worlds .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    People still ask me how it all started? How things went so far? And like a lot of questions about the Panthers, there are different answers. Different beginnings.
    Rising behind the voice , the noise of a CROWD can be heard .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    What became the Black Panthers really started with just two guys - Bobby Seale and Huey Newton - saying two words : `` Defend Yourselves.'' Legend has it they met at some coffee house where Bobby was running down a rhyme.

EXT. COFFEE SHOP (BLACK/WHITE) - 1966 - DAY
    TITLE : MARCH 17 , 1965 BOBBY SEALE - a skinny , kinetic black man sporting an Afro - teeters on a chair in front of a small CROWD . He reads from a crumpled sheaf of papers . At the side of the crowd , HUEY NEWTON - well - built , magnetic - watches , grooving on the rhythm of the words .
    BOBBY
    Oh yeah. Yeah it's easy to see right on your black and white TV. Black man. Blue cop. Red blood. Niggers watch other niggers die. That's right Niggers watching niggers die. That's the American way.
    A COMMOTION starts at the rear of the crowd . TWO UNIFORMED COPS roughly make their way to Bobby . They pull him off his chair , cracking his head against the ground . The cop over Bobby raises his NIGHTSTICK . A BLACK HAND grabs the club , stopping its arc . Shocked , the cop turns . It 's HUEY . With honed precision , he DECKS the cop with his free hand .

INT. POLICE CAR (BLACK/WHITE) - 1966 - DAY
    Bruised and bloody , Huey and Bobby sit next to each other as the car moves through the streets .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    Pigs threw them in jail. There they starting talking about black folks oughta start standing up. No master plan, no pot to piss in, nothing like that. Just two fed - up brothers. Next thing you know, you got the Black Panther Party for Self Defense.
    BLACKOUT Again , the SCREEN goes BLACK .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    For me, it started different. A lot different. You may as well say The Panthers started in my front yard.
    The black screen DISSOLVES into .

EXT. CLOSE-UP: SIDEWALK - DAY
    CONCRETE , cracked and dirty , fills the frame . A BICYCLE whips past , gliding down the pavement .

EXT. 55TH AND MARKET STREETS - OAKLAND - 1967 - DAY
    TITLE : OAKLAND 1967 Teeming with life on a bright day , the Ghetto moves to its own unique cadence . A YOUNG BOY , no older than ten , pedals down the street on his BICYCLE . A gust of wind brushes a SHAPELY WOMAN . She GRABS a HAT and holds tight , ignoring her DRESS rising in the wind . The BOY ogles her juicy thighs .
    SHAPELY WOMAN
    Shucks I see you staring, but I ai n't letting go. Them hips is almost forty years old but the hat is brand new!
    AFRAID , the boy PASSES an OAKLAND POLICE CAR , cruising slowly down Market . A WHITE COP scans the street .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DAY
    Continuing his ride , the BOY passes TYRONE -LRB- 20 's -RRB- - a TOUGH YOUTH - who GLARES at the cop car , LEAFLETS in his HANDS .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DAY
    BLACK HANDS pour a CAN of LEMON JUICE into a BOTTLE of cheap WHITE PORT . Shaking the mixture , then swigging it , ROSE -LRB- 30 's -RRB- - an aimless drunk - passes it to his FRIENDS .
    ROSE
    Yes indeed, that Bitter Dog.
    ( to the Boy . )
    What's up little brother?
    Smiling , the YOUNG BOY waves to the sidewalk drinkers , then moves on .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DAY
    Eyes downcast , the BOY passes REVEREND SLOCUM -LRB- 50 's -RRB- - a passionate preacher .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DAY
    On the street corner , SABU -LRB- 20 's -RRB- - a Superfly young hustler with a fast mouth - trying to sell cigarette lighters to a couple of HARD HATS heading off to work .
    SABU
    I'm telling you, man. The perfect gift for the sophisticated lady in your life. Light up her flame with some solid gold satisfaction and get a second one half price for your wife. Ca n't beat my price with a stick, baby.
    CY , a large man with an eye - patch , walks up and tries , in vain , to get one of Sabu 's bogus lighters to light .
    CY
    Sabu, why're you still tryin' to sell these raggedy ass, non workin' Korean lighters man?
    The HARD HATS drive off laughing as Sabu curses CY out . The boy continues on heading for the corner .

EXT. INTERSECTION - 55TH AND MARKET STREETS - DAY
    Suddenly a HORN blares , BRAKES screech . Brutal , fast , a CAR plows into the child , sending him and the bike bouncing against the windshield and back on the pavement , bleeding . dead .

EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE - 55TH STREET - DAY
    JUDGE -LRB- 20 's -RRB- - an intense young man wearing a FATIGUE JACKET - STARES numbly at the child in the street . Neighborhood people move toward the scene . A WOMAN , perhaps the boy 's mother , WAILS next to the body . Judge 's Mom , RITA -LRB- 50 's -RRB- - raw boned and sharp eyed - stands , drawn toward the tragedy .
    RITA
    Oh lord. not again.

EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
    A CROWD - including Reverend Slocum , Cy and the DRINKERS - gathers near the child and the wailing woman . Across from Judge , TYRONE keeps an angry distance from the horror .
    CY
    God damn. Kid never had a chance.
    ROSE
    Mothafuck. Hey! What the hell!
    The CAR backs up , trying to leave the scene . Market street regulars SWARM around the retreating vehicle , hitting it with fists , sticks , bottles . Young and old move together , their faces contorted with RAGE .
    JUDGE
    ( over . )
    People were pissed off. Neighborhood had been begging for a stoplight since before dirt was invented. Way I saw it then, that boy dying was another shitty thing in a world full of shit.

EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE - DAY
    Eyes locked on the dead child , JUDGE stands , angry and impassive .
    JUDGE
    ( over . )
    Way I see it now. That day. That intersection. That's where it started for me.
    ( a pause . )
    Only, I did n't know it then.

EXT. CLOSE UP: INTERSECTION PAVEMENT - DAY
    Running red past a SMALL sneakered foot , BLOOD streams toward the gutter .

EXT. CLOSE UP: BASKETBALL COURT - NIGHT
    A BASKETBALL bounces off the cement , SNEAKERED FEET scramble past .

EXT. BASKETBALL COURT - NIGHT
    JUDGE drives in for a basket , pursued by CY . It 's a friendly three on three street game . The MARKET STREET DRINKERS - including ROSE - fill out Cy and Judge 's teams . Young neighborhood MEN watch the game and shoot the shit . One of them , JAMAL , sports a beard and a DASHIKI . Somewhere a RADIO plays James Brown 's `` Say it Loud ''

EXT. BASKETBALL COURT - NIGHT
    Gliding around Cy , Judge sinks a basket . ROSE retrieves the ball .
    ROSE
    You supposed to be a wounded vet, Motherfucka. What you do in ` Nam anyway, shoot gooks or shoot hoops?
    JUDGE
    All of the above, man.
    ( a pause . )
    And then some.
    Shaking off the memory , Judge takes the ball in , PASSING it to a teammate . The BALL arcs through the air .

EXT. BASKETBALL GAME - NIGHT
    HANDS grab the ball before the teammate can . TYRONE 'S hands . The GAME stops dead . Tyrone holds the ball , eyeing the players with contempt . At his side stands LITTLE BOBBY -LRB- 16 -RRB- hyper , childlike .
    TYRONE
    Tell me, do n't you fine black men got anything better to do than play games?
    ROSE
    Sure I do, but your sister's busy. Gim me the damn ball.
    Tyrone passes the ball HARD to Rose .
    TYRONE
    Here. Take it. I thought some righteous brothers like you might help us out, but I guess that ai n't you.
    JAMAL
    ( stepping forward . )
    Help who? With what?
    TYRONE
    Your community! That's who. Maybe you did n't know but a kid died today.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    That's three this year. same spot.
    TYRONE
    Damn straight. And old Reverend Slocum's having a vigil on that corner, trying to get a stoplight put in.
    JUDGE
    ( to Cy . )
    My Mom's at that.
    ROSE
    Funny you do n't look like church folk to me.
    TYRONE
    Oh I ai n't. But it seems The Man's getting uptight about black folk standing in the street, causing a fuss. What I'm asking for, is some of your able black asses to come down and be `` Observers'' on the cops. Take down badge numbers. They do n't like pulling shit with too many eyes on'em. So that's how you can help, not by praying but by watching.
    DRINKER #1
    Not me. This able black ass ai n't fucking with no cops.
    Others MUMBLE in agreement , moving away from Tyrone .
    JAMAL
    Look, I understand but if some Blacks insist on trying to interact with the white man, that's not our concern. We are African, `` brother.'' Mother Africa is the only.
    Anger FLASHES in Tyrone 's eyes . His voice turn knifelike .
    TYRONE
    No, you look, you phony ass boojie nigger. We ai n't in Africa, we're in Oakland. And in Oakland we got police brutality. We got the white man interacting his billy club up against the black man's head. Now if that do n't bother you, then take your skirt wearing ass back to Africa. `` Uncle.''
    Jamal - very angry - takes a step toward Tyrone . Tyrone backs him down with one fearsome look .
    TYRONE
    Try it.
    Jamal backs away , joining Rose and the exiting drinkers .
    LITTLE BOBBY
    ( watching them go . )
    Chickenshit boojie.
    TYRONE
    ( to Judge and Cy . )
    What about you two? You were there, you saw that kid?
    JUDGE
    I saw. but.
    TYRONE
    But nothing. you do live here do n't you?
    Judge glares evenly back at Tyrone , sizing him up .
    JUDGE
    Yeah, I do.
    TYRONE
    ( to Judge and Cy . )
    Well, act like it. Come on.
    Tyrone and Little Bobby leave the court . After a beat , Judge and Cy follow . ROSE calls after them , BAITING .
    ROSE
    You young niggas crazy. The Man ai n't gon na let us have no say in running shit! Keep it up and he's gon na come down on our ass like a ton of bricks.

EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
    Taking confident strides , Tyrone and Little Bobby lead Cy and Judge down the street .
    TYRONE
    Do n't let the cops provoke you. We're there to watch and take badge numbers.
    JUDGE
    And who is we?
    LITTLE BOBBY
    Brother where you been?
    ( a smile . )
    We're the Black Panthers.
    Cy and Judge register the name .
    CY
    The Panthers.
    ( to Bobby . )
    How old are you?
    LITTLE BOBBY
    Sixteen.
    TYRONE
    ( chuckling . )
    Shit, we made him get his moms to give permission before he could sign up.
    JUDGE
    Just a kid.
    TYRONE
    Yeah, well, cops kick the shit out of kids too.

EXT. 55TH AND MARKET - NIGHT
    A CIRCLE of church folk hold flickering CANDLES in the middle of the intersection . Slocum 's there as well as RITA . Their faces are silent , passive in the candlelight . POLICE CARS can be seen parked at the curbs . A small CADRE of cops stands watching the congregation . Tyrone , Judge and Cy approach the vigil . Looking around , they spot other YOUNG BLACK MEN staked out at the four corners of the intersection .
    JUDGE
    I thought you said all the Panthers were gon na be here.
    TYRONE
    What you see is what you got.
    ( pointing . )
    That's' Bobby Seale.
    Judge 's eyes pick BOBBY out , skinny , notebook at the ready .
    TYRONE
    Carter. buddy of mine from way back. And Gene.
    CARTER - enormous , terrifying - comes into view , then GENE - a wiry street tough .
    LITTLE BOBBY
    And that. that's Huey.
    Judge strains to focus on HUEY NEWTON - who 's just a SILHOUETTE against a streetlight . There 's a BOOK in his right hand and an aura of power surrounding him .
    CY
    Ai n't too many of you is there?
    TYRONE
    ( a slight smile . )
    Only takes a single grain of sand to move the world.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    ( spotting something . )
    Heads up!

EXT. INTERSECTION - NIGHT
    A PATROL CAR floats to a quick stop at the curb . White haired , red - faced , SERGEANT SCHRECK bounds from the car .
    SGT. SCHRECK
    What in the Sam Hell is this?
    PATROLMAN
    A vigil for some pickaninny got hit here.
    SGT. SCHRECK
    Vigil my ass.
    Schreck GRABS a BULLHORN from the car .
    SCHRECK
    ( through the bullhorn . )
    Listen up, you all have 30 seconds to disperse and return to your homes.
    The LINE OF COPS takes a small step toward the black folks .
    SCHRECK
    Failure to do so will result in your immediate arrest.
    The churchgoers flail a bit . Suddenly , with HUEY in the background , SLOCUM steps up and with a look of defiant piety , begins SINGING `` We Shall Not Be Moved . '' With gathering force the CONGREGATION joins in the song . Schreck ROLLS HIS EYES and makes a MOTION with his hand .

EXT. INTERSECTION - NIGHT
    COPS wade into the crowd , herding them away . A patrolman pushes a MIDDLE AGED MAN , with his NIGHTSTICK .
    PATROLMAN
    Go on get your black hide outta here.
    The MAN STUMBLES . By reflex , the cop RAISES his nightstick . TYRONE - on instinct - PUSHES the cop away . CHAOS erupts . BILLY CLUBS snap up . Terrified , the congregation RUNS .
    BULLHORN
    You are resisting arrest!
    Police slap and snatch Black folks right and left . Judge bounces around in the confusion . Bobby Seale can be seen trying to get badge numbers . Judge 's eyes widen as he sees RITA running toward an alley , a COP right on her ass .
    JUDGE
    Oh shit Mom.
    Judge runs toward her . The cop lifts his BILLY CLUB over Rita . Boom ! Carter PUNCHES the cop straight off his feet . A PAIR OF COPS have thrown Tyrone down on the ground - PISTOLS pressed against his head . Judge moves to Tyrone 's aid . A RIFLE BUTT flashes out , cracking across Judge 's temple , sending him into DARKNESS .

INT. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
    Judge slowly comes to on the filthy floor . Cy , a few nasty bruises on his face , kneels next to him protectively .
    JUDGE
    ( amazed , in pain . )
    Jesus.
    Disoriented , Judge sees TYRONE and the other PANTHERS . They 're a rag tag little group , battered , locked down . SLOCUM 'S there too . Coming fully awake , Judge realizes SOMEONE is speaking . It 's HUEY , his voice powerful and arresting in its urgency .
    HUEY
    ( over . )
    The power structure locks the black man up. That's right. We move from chains to bars and locks. Kangaroo courts put brothers in jail. No jury of our peers. No jury of black folks. How do we stop this insanity? It's simple. Organization. That's the key. We must organize. We must maintain discipline.
    Judge peers through the bodies and sees HUEY .
    TYRONE
    That's right brother. listen and learn.
    HUEY
    The white power structure wants us to act like savages.
    ( a smile . )
    But we're a different kind of animal altogether. We're Panthers. And The Black Panther Party for Self Defense is very painfully aware that America has historically reserved its most barbaric treatment for non - white people since the beginning of the country. So we need to organize, we.
    ( a charismatic smile . )
    keep our shit correct! And effect revolution. We revolve the power into the hands of the people. Where it belongs.
    ( a beat . )
    Power to the people baby.
    GENE
    Power? Shit, old folks ca n't even sing without getting their asses kicked.
    HUEY
    Well, then like the man said. Maybe it's time we stop singing and start swinging.
    CARTER
    Yeah, but they got the guns.
    Something - some inexplicable mixture of mirth , raw intelligence and fierce willpower - crosses Huey 's face .
    HUEY
    We can change that. We got the right to bear arms, so I'd say it's time to exercise that right. Like Comrade Mao says, `` Justice through power, Power through guns.''

EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY
    Blinking in the sunlight , the Panthers descend wearing a collective grin of relief .
    TYRONE
    Chickenshits, just harassing our ass, we were n't breaking any law.
    REV. SLOCUM
    But at least we're free! God has delivered us from the lion's den.
    BOBBY
    Free? We're back where we started. Shit we still do n't have a stop light.
    HUEY
    Well as the Rev says, God helps those who help themselves.
    ( a smile . )
    We'll be our own stoplight.

EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
    Huey marches into the middle of the street . Amid swerving cars and screeching brakes he begins DIRECTING TRAFFIC .

EXT. STREET - DAY
    Judge and Cy split off as the other Panthers march into the intersection , joining Huey 's traffic duty .
    CY
    ( pointing . )
    Check it out. Great huh? I tell you those guys know what time it is. Man I'm with that.
    JUDGE
    I do n't know. Look around man.
    CY
    C'mon Judge we got to start somewhere.
    JUDGE
    Yeah, and I'm gon na start by getting on my feet. Working on things from inside the system.
    CY
    Inside ai n't in the system.
    ( poking Judge . )
    It's right there inside you! I'm joining up.
    Judge 's face cracks into a wry SMILE . Suddenly his smile fades when he spots RITA staring at him from her stoop .
    JUDGE
    I. I got ta go.
    Judge crosses the street , heading over to his mother .

EXT. BROWNSTONE - DAY
    Concern searing her face , Rita regards her son warily .
    JUDGE
    It's okay Mom. I'm allright.
    RITA
    You do n't look alright.
    JUDGE
    ( touching his head . )
    Yeah. cop hit me.
    RITA
    I saw. I saw that big one.
    ( pointing to Carter . )
    hit that police man. Saw'em drag you off too.
    ( a beat . )
    They take you to jail?
    JUDGE
    ( soft . )
    Yeah.
    RITA
    Lord, never thought I'd live to see my boy in prison.
    JUDGE
    Mom! It was n't like that. It was bullsh. They were just harassing us. No charges were filed. It's alright.
    Worry in her voice , Rita stares across at the Panthers .
    RITA
    You meet those friends of yours in jail too?
    JUDGE
    Yes. No. Mom it's not like you think. They're alright. There out there trying to do something.
    RITA
    I hear them boys, those Black Panthers, they're communists. They do n't even believe in God.
    JUDGE
    Mom, black folks been praying to God for four hundred years. Maybe it's time we tried something else.
    RITA
    You believe that?
    JUDGE
    I do n't know. I really do n't.
    A moment passes , Rita notes her son 's confusion .
    RITA
    I'll tell you one thing Judge.

EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
    Following Huey 's lead , the Panthers move traffic through the intersection . CY 'S with them , guiding cars past .
    RITA
    ( over . )
    Them boys gon na start a bunch of trouble they keep on like that.

INT. OAKLAND POLICE HEADQUARTERS- DAY
    DORSETT , the Chief Duty Officer , shifts behind his desk , popping a TUMS . A VOICE comes from the doorway .
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    Those things do n't work.
    Looking up , Dorsett sees RODGERS - a hawk - faced guy with slippery glasses . He 's FBI down to the shine on his shoes .
    DORSETT
    Do n't I know it. Come on in Agent Rodgers. Sit down. Always a. pleasure to see you. How can I be of help?
    RODGERS
    It's a bit more like how can we help you. Bay Area's become quite a hornet's nest in terms of subversive activities. And. well Mr. Hoover wants to reiterate that the FBI will be happy to assist local authorities in any way we can. On a strictly advisory basis. of course.
    DORSETT
    Of course. Well, I appreciate your offer, but we got things pretty well under control. Same bunch of kooks you guys already have under surveillance. They're still doing a lot of yelling and pot - smoking but nothing to worry about.
    RODGERS
    ( cocking an eyebrow . )
    I see. What about the Black Panther Party for Self - Defense?
    DORSETT
    Heh, bunch of shines running around in dark caps waving their fists about some streetlight. They're loud, but they are n't dangerous,
    RODGERS
    Can you make a deal with them?
    DORSETT
    Naw. They're kids mostly. Idealists. They actually think they're for real.
    RODGERS
    Hmmm. As you know the Bureau - and Mr. Hoover - is particularly `` sensitive'' to anything that might agitate or solidify the coloreds on the left.
    Dorsett pauses for a second , trying to read the angle .
    DORSETT
    You want me to put a man on it?
    RODGERS
    That would be an excellent start.
    ( a pause . )
    Tell him to keep a low profile.

EXT. FIFTY FIFTH AND MARKET - DAY
    Panthers direct traffic at the corner . On the other side of the street a VW BUS with a UC BERKELEY sticker sits . SABU 's talking to a WHITE HIPPIE in the bus .
    SABU
    What do you want? Panama Red? I can get you Panama Red Sinsemilla? Got a line on some chocolate hash. get you high as a motherfucking monkey.
    WHITE HIPPIE
    Uhh. man I was wondering.
    ( dropping his voice . )
    can you get some Cocaine?
    SABU
    Coke? Shee - it.
    ( dropping his voice . )
    Yeah, I can get you cocaine. But it's dangerous. Cops everywhere. Gim me twenty dollars and meet me back here in an hour. And do n't fuck around white boy, this is the serious shit.
    WHITE HIPPIE
    Uh okay, alright. You'll be here in an hour?
    SABU
    Yeah I'll be here.
    Sabu grabs a TWENTY from the van . He SMILES as the van pulls away .
    SABU
    ( to himself . )
    Now that was one dumb motherfucker.
    Cy , Tyrone at his side , APPEARS .
    CY
    Sabu, what the fuck you doing? Ai n't nobody gon na push on this street.
    SABU
    Shit, I ai n't doing nothing. White bread asks for cocaine, I take his money. Shit. you know. It was just a hustle.
    CY
    Sabu. High white dude's the only thing you could hustle.
    SABU
    Man. fuck you. Why you always bustin' my balls? All that high and mighty militant shit. I ai n't doing nothing.
    TYRONE
    I dig, you just hustling. But you make sure it stays like that brother, or you will have much grief on your sorry ass.
    Cy lets Sabu go . He scrambles down the street .
    SABU
    ( to himself . )
    Motherfucking Panthers, worse than the police.

INT. UNMARKED CAR - FIFTY FIFTH AND MARKET - DAY
    Nestled among empty paper COFFEE CUPS , BRIMMER - a once athletic white cop - watches the Panthers at the corner . He stubs yet another CIGARETTE into an overflowing ashtray . Brimmer sees CY taking over traffic duty from CARTER . There 's a NOTEPAD on the seat next to Brimmer . He makes a HASH MARK in it - COUNTING Panther heads .

EXT. STAIRS - DAY
    Bottle of BITTER DOG in hand , Rose sits with the other drinkers , STARING at Brimmer 's car . Taking a swig and smiling at his buddies , Rose walks toward the car .

EXT. UNMARKED CAR - DAY
    Sauntering up to the car , Rose flashes a wicked grin .
    ROSE
    What's the matter Casper, you lost or something?
    Brimmer IGNORES him .
    ROSE
    Hey! I'm talking to you.
    Rolling his eyes , BRIMMER holds up his BADGE . A gold DETECTIVE 'S shield gleams at Rose through the glass .
    ROSE
    Ohhhh. Looky there.
    ( to the other drinkers . )
    It's a Cop.
    Behind him the other drinkers RISE , checking Brimmer out .

INT. BRIMMER'S CAR - DAY
    Brimmer fumes , so much for keeping a low profile .
    BRIMMER
    Fuck.
    The Detective STARTS his car .

EXT. FIFTY FIFTH AND MARKET - DAY
    Rose and the others goofing at him , Brimmer PULLS AWAY from the curb .

EXT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    BRIMMER 'S CAR glides by the storefront .

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    HUEY talks earnestly with TYRONE and GENE .
    HUEY
    Yeah, it's a perfect next step, let the community know that we're dedicated to Malcolm's ideals.
    ( checking his watch . )
    Damn where's Bobby Seale?
    BOBBY SEALE , a whirlwind of energy , come careening through the door .
    BOBBY SEALE
    Huey! Man you got ta check this out. You're gon na love.
    HUEY
    ( interrupting . )
    Hold up a second. We got a decision to make.
    BOBBY SEALE
    What's up?
    HUEY
    Dig it, you know those brothers over in San Fran. call themselves the Black Panthers too?
    BOBBY SEALE
    Sure, those boojie jokers do n't do anything except print up a lotta paper saying `` Black is Beautiful.''
    TYRONE
    Shit, nothing but Paper Panthers.
    HUEY
    ( a smile . )
    Yeah. but it seems they're bringing Malcolm's widow Betty Shabazz to town, to speak at a rally, do an interview for Ramparts.
    ( a pause . )
    And they want us to help with security.
    BOBBY
    Well if anyone's gon na protect Malcolm's legacy it better be us.
    HUEY
    Damn straight.
    ( rising . )
    Let's go check out these Paper Panthers.

EXT. BLACK PANTHER OFFICE - DAY
    BOBBY 'S PONTIAC sits in front of a rather upscale house , on a street that would never be mistaken for Oakland .

INT. BLACK PANTHER OFFICE - DAY
    Looking street and very tough , BOBBY , HUEY , TYRONE , LITTLE BOBBY and GENE walk in . Spotting them , ROY - the Paper Panther President - picks his afro and smoothes his DASHIKI vainly . In the background other men in AFRICAN GARB can be seen , along with ALMA - a REGAL BLACK GIRL .
    ROY
    Greetings African brothers. You're here to help us with Sister Shabazz no doubt?
    TYRONE
    ( under his breath . )
    Fucking boojie.
    HUEY
    That's right. We'd be proud to provide as escort for Malcolm's widow. How many men you got?
    ROY
    ( to Alma . )
    Get the brothers a beer. Me too while you're at it.
    ( to Huey . )
    Men? Well we can spare six for security.
    HUEY
    ( to Alma , declining the beer . )
    No thank you sister.
    ( to Roy . )
    Six?! That seems a little light. Cops are watching Betty, watching her hard. We need at least twenty men. And that's twenty armed Panthers dig? You do have guns do n't you?
    ROY
    I assure you that we as the revolutionary vanguard are as serious about this as you are. We'll be prepared.

EXT. BLACK PANTHER OFFICE - DAY
    Disgusted , HUEY stalks to the car with the others .
    TYRONE
    They ai n't fit for the name Panthers.
    BOBBY
    Twenty men? I do n't know if we got that.
    HUEY
    We'll get them. Right now we got to worry about being armed and ready to protect Betty Shabazz. Those phonies sure as hell ca n't. We need guns.
    TYRONE
    We need money first.
    HUEY
    Yeah. Bobby you got ta.
    BOBBY
    ( moving . )
    Got it covered Huey, that's what I was trying to tell you before. Check it out.
    Bobby 's pops the PONTIAC 'S TRUNK . BOXES sit inside it , overflowing with LITTLE RED BOOKS .
    BOBBY
    Bought every copy in Chinatown. Got us a discount too, thirty cents a piece.

EXT. SATHER GATE - BERKELEY CAMPUS - DAY
    In the stream of students , Tyrone , Huey and THE PANTHERS hold up Mao 's LITTLE RED BOOK . A RADIO can be heard blaring Gladys Knight 's `` Heard it through the Grapevine . ''
    HUEY
    Here it is Brothers. The Lowdown straight from comrade Mao's mouth.
    ( to Bobby . )
    If you open the minds, the bodies will follow.
    CARTER moves toward Huey with TWO WHITE STUDENTS
    CARTER
    ( looking confused . )
    Huey uhhh. these. these guys want to join.
    Huey smiles and shakes his head congenially .
    HUEY
    I'm sorry boys. But right now The Party feels it's important for Black People to do it for themselves. We're not signing up white folk.
    ( the trademark smile . )
    But, if you are down with what we're doing, organize some righteous white folks. I got a feeling we're gon na need each other.

EXT. SATHER GATE - DAY
    Judge , holding notes and SCHOOLBOOKS spots the Panthers . Cy catches his eye .
    JUDGE
    Hey, this what they got you doing now?
    CY
    Party needs the bread.
    ( to the students . )
    Be hip to the struggle, only a dollar!
    STUDENT
    A dollar? Far out! Is it authentic?
    CY
    Comrade, this here's the real deal, straight from Revolution HQ.
    STUDENT
    Huh?
    ( catching on . )
    Hey, I can dig it man.
    ( buying book . )
    Thanks! Long live the revolution, brother.
    CY
    ( to Judge , pocketing the bills . )
    Money's cool, but what the party really needs is brothers like you.
    ( hands Judge a RED BOOK . )
    Judge I could use someone like you. These books, hell I do n't know half the words. You might.
    JUDGE
    Have to pass on the revolution today man, I got class. But how about tonight, I was gon na check out `` Cloud Nine.'' Just like old times.
    CY
    Ca n't. they're having a PE meeting at Headquarters tonight, come on down. Check it out.
    JUDGE
    PE? What? You guys doing gym class?
    CY
    No man. PE - `` political education.''
    TYRONE moves closer to Cy , checking out Judge
    TYRONE
    You're a smart brother. you should dig what Huey and Bobby got to say.
    JUDGE
    Maybe.
    TYRONE
    ( a smile . )
    Fuck maybe. be there.
    Judge grins back at Tyrone , holding ground .
    JUDGE
    Like I said. maybe.

EXT. PANTHER HEADQUARTERS - 56TH AND GROVE - NIGHT
    Essentially a storefront , the PANTHER HQ 's a rag - tag , hipster shrine . POSTERS hangs in the window - `` BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL , '' the BLACK PANTHER LOGO , an upraised BLACK FIST . CY and JUDGE walk past a couple of loitering street folk . ROSE is there , happily munching on a paper plate of stew .
    JUDGE
    Rose, what the hell you doing here?
    ROSE
    Just come for the food, man. Ai n't quite sure what their bag is but.
    Rose POINTS through the doorway to BOBBY SEALE standing at a podium speaking front of a very small GROUP .
    ROSE
    That one's one hell of a cook.

INT. PANTHER HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
    Little Bobby and Tyrone PASS out LEAFLETS labeled with `` What we want '' and What we Believe '' to a SMALL ASSEMBLY . At the podium , Bobby SPEAKS passionately . Judge and Cy make for empty secondhand seat .
    BOBBY
    We. the Black Panther Party are not anarchists. We want a government that serves the people. In the black community we want a government that serves black people. Black cops for Black People. Not the Army we have occupying the community `` Army?'' you ask. `` What army? This is n't Vietnam.'' Well the Army's right out your door folks. They're the cops.
    A chorus of `` Yeahs , '' `` Right Ons and APPLAUSE . ''
    BOBBY
    They're pigs brothers and sisters. And these pigs are soldiers fighting against us. Whether you got an Afro or a process on. Whether a sister's got her hair straightened or whether she's got a natural on. Whether it's a brother in a dashiki or a pimp with a sharp suit on. Whether a sister's prostituting or teaching kids to read. The pig will murder you because you're black. No matter what kind of hair you wear. So we best get ourselves together, organize, learn our history and put the power in the hands of the black community before this army, these pigs wipe this community out.
    Applause rings out . Even JUDGE claps .

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Political Education over , the small group of Panthers and neighborhood folk , chat as Judge makes his way over to Cy .
    CY
    Glad you came man.
    JUDGE
    Yeah, only I figure you'd be the one doing the speaking.
    CY
    Not yet, one of these day's maybe. Bobby's party chairman. Political Education's really his bag.
    Huey steps up with TYRONE .
    HUEY
    You're Cy's Vietnam buddy right?
    ( Judge nods . )
    C'mere I'd like to talk with you.
    Huey pulls Judge toward a BACK ROOM , Tyrone watches them leave , protective , suspicious .
    HUEY
    You were. infantry right?
    JUDGE
    Yeah.
    HUEY
    So I guess it's safe to say you know about firepower.

INT. YANG'S HARDWARE - SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT
    CLOSE UP : A nest of WEAPONS - shotguns , M1 's , handguns - sit is on a DESK in the cluttered back room of the store . Judge 's hands run over the guns , checking them out . He sets an AUTOMATIC aside .
    JUDGE
    Busted firing pin.
    ( checking a revolver . )
    You want only the legal stuff right?
    TYRONE
    Just the legit shit.
    Judge SETS ASIDE the revolver . MR. YANG - a nervous oriental man - hovers over them .
    MR. YANG
    Nothing wrong with that pistol.
    JUDGE
    Serial number's been filed. Cop catches you with that he figures you either stole it or killed someone with it.
    MR. YANG
    I do n't want no trouble. No cops coming to me about these guns.
    HUEY
    No trouble here. You got a permit to sell.
    ( handing over cash . )
    We're buying. All perfectly legal.
    MR. YANG
    ( counting . )
    These are worth a lot more.
    BOBBY SEALE
    ( pointing to a Mao portrait . )
    I thought you were a revolutionary. We ca n't afford em if you do n't cut us some slack. But. you treat us right and we'll be doing a lot of business.
    MR. YANG
    Alright.

EXT. HARDWARE STORE - NIGHT
    Cy and Tyrone load the weapons into Cy 's VAN . Bobby , Huey , and Judge talk .
    HUEY
    We appreciate your help with this.
    JUDGE
    So what's the deal?
    HUEY
    ( a smile . )
    Freedom. We're just gon na test some of the words in that law book.
    Truck loaded , the Panthers make to leave . Huey lingers a bit with Judge .
    HUEY
    Judge. we're doing security for Betty Shabazz's visit next week. I'd like to have someone who knows there way around a pistol there. Someone like you.
    JUDGE
    I do n't know.
    HUEY
    You are down for protecting Malcolm's widow are n't you?
    JUDGE
    Yeah. let me think about it.
    HUEY
    Okay man I ai n't going to push. But remember the revolution is n't going to wait for anyone. Come on, we'll give you a lift.
    JUDGE
    No man. Gon na walk.
    Tyrone watches Judge warily as he turns and walks away .

EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
    Judge , feet moving across pavement , walks alone .

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
    A WHITE PROFESSOR nasally drones about ECONOMICS as Judge stares out the window , watching PANTHERS sell RED BOOKS .

EXT. GHETTO - DAY
    Panthers exhorting the community . Chaos slowly turning into organizations , repainting , sickle cell program , and handing out bags of food as BRIMMER watches from his car .

EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
    A COP CRUISER slowly passes Judge as he walks , shining its SPOTLIGHT on him .

INT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    It 's late . Judge studies a TEXT BOOK . Next to it sits MAO 'S RED BOOK . He ca n't concentrate . Grabbing his jacket , Judge heads out the DOOR .

INT. BOBBY'S PONTIAC NIGHT
    Huey 's DRIVING . Bobby 's next to him , a RIFLE on his lap . Tyrone and CY sit in back . They 're all in UNIFORM .
    HUEY
    ( to Cy . )
    This here's a `` Panther Patrol.'' We see a brother getting busted. We check it out, make sure the pig do n't go beating on the man. Brother gets taken downtown, we post bail, hook'em up with a lawyer.
    TYRONE
    We're like policing the police.
    Huey SPOTS something through the windshield a COP CAR .
    HUEY
    ( pulling over . )
    Damn straight.

EXT. GROVE STREET - NIGHT
    TWO BEEFY COPS have a BLACK MAN up against the wall . Panther 's Pontiac pulls to the curb . The cops TURN . HUEY - holding a RIFLE , backed by the other Panthers - stares solidly at the policeman .
    BEEFY COP #1
    ( into radio . )
    Get me some back up.
    In the BACKGROUND , the man against the wall SCOOTS AWAY .

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Walking thinking , Judge moves down the street . After a bit , RED LIGHTS can be seen on the wall behind him . Judge MOVES quickly toward the lights , SPOTTING something .

EXT. GROVE STREET - NIGHT
    Near Panther HQ , FIGURES move in silhouette against a SQUAD CAR 's HEADLIGHTS . High tension as HUEY and BOBBY SEALE stand next to the beat up PONTIAC holding a RIFLE . THE BEEFY COP faces him - flashlight in one hand , Huey 's LICENSE in the other . Cy , Tyrone and other Panthers - in full PANTHER UNIFORMS - move through the crowd passing out BLACK PANTHER PARTY TEN POINT PROGRAMS .
    BEEFY COP
    Okay now, er, Huey, so what's your telephone number?
    HUEY
    I have confirmed to you my address, that's all I'm required to by law to do. We have broken no law.
    BEEFY COP
    What are you doing with the gun?
    HUEY
    ( calm , controlled . )
    What are doing with yours?
    As JUDGE pushes through the semi - circle of black folks , TWO MORE SQUAD CARS pull up . The cops inside swagger over . One of them a BABY FACED COP , has his NIGHT STICK drawn .
    BABY FACED COP
    These boys giving you trouble?
    Beefy Cop shines his light on the PASSENGER SEAT of the Pontiac . It illuminates a PISTOL .
    BEEFY COP
    Here's another one. That your pistol there?
    Bobby Seale reaches over and PICKS UP the pistol . The Panthers snap to a STRAIGHT LINE behind Huey .
    BOBBY
    No! It is not his weapon. A handgun would be a violation of his probation. It's mine!
    Nearby , THE CLOUD NINE NIGHTCLUB pulses with MUSIC . Purple suited hipsters move onto the sidewalk observing the escalating scene between Panthers and police .
    BEEFY COP
    ( stretching out his hand . )
    Lem me see that rifle son.
    HUEY
    ( snatching the gun away . )
    No! This is my private property. According to California law we have a constitutional right to bear arms.
    BLACK VOICE IN CROWD
    Them's some badass niggers.
    COP 2
    ( to the crowd . )
    Okay. Okay. Move along. Go on about your business.
    Reluctant but docile , the crowd begins to DISPERSE .
    HUEY
    Wait! Brothers! Sisters! You do n't have to go anywhere. This is your business. Stay right here. The law says as long as you keep a reasonable distance, eight to ten feet to be exact, you've got a right to observe the police carrying out their duties. From what I can see, you're standing some 22 feet away from this man here. So brothers ai n't no law being broken.
    Emboldened by Huey 's words , the crowd REGROUPS .
    BLACK VOICE IN CROWD
    Talk that good shit Brother.
    BEEFY COP
    Is that gun loaded BOY?!
    The crowd GASPS , then goes silent as Huey steps right up into the cop 's face .
    HUEY
    Fish and Game laws clearly state that it is unlawful to have a live round of ammunition in the chamber of a shotgun or rifle in a vehicle. PIG!
    BLACK VOICE IN CROWD
    Oh sweet Jesus, I do believe I have died and gone to heaven.
    COP #2
    Refer to him as officer.
    BOBBY
    Well then do n't refer to him as BOY!
    BEEFY COP
    ( glaring . )
    Well. is it loaded?
    HUEY
    I tell you `` officer'', it was n't.
    Huey COCKS A ROUND into the chamber .
    HUEY
    but now IT IS!
    The cops TENSE . The Beefy One blows a gasket .
    BEEFY COP
    For the last time Boy! What do those guns mean?!
    HUEY
    They mean, Pig!, that the Black Panther Party declares that if you try to brutalize our community or take our weapons.
    ( a beat . )
    We are going to shoot you!
    The crowd stands FROZEN . Joy spreads out beneath their guarded ghetto masks .
    BLACK VOICE IN CROWD
    ( whirling like a dervish . )
    Pigs that's just what the hell they are!
    Cops and Panthers stand TOE TO TOE . Deadly moments pass . Cop eyes flash from Panthers to Crowd . Then something TURNS . The cops BACK OFF , climbing into their cars . GROVE STREET - NIGHT Judge moves away , walking down the street . He senses the joy and amazement of the community , picking up on SNATCHES OF CONVERSATION from a dozen different doorways .
    VOICE
    ( over . )
    Never thought I'd live to see the day! You know the police ai n't nothing but the KKK with badges.
    A breeze wafts a TEN POINT PROGRAM past Judge . Slowly , thoughtfully he picks the leaflet up .

INT. DORSETT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
    CLOSE UP : A TEN POINT PROGRAM sits in Dorsett 's fleshy fingers . It 's after hours as Dorsett , Rodgers and BRIMMER - each holding PAMPHLETS - have a tense `` discussion '' .
    DORSETT
    One : `` We want freedom. We want the power to determine the destiny of our Black Community.'' Two : `` We want full employment for our people.'' Three : `` We want to end the robbery by the white man of our Black Community.'' Christ, they're asking for reparations.
    RODGERS
    They could n't have thought this up for themselves.
    BRIMMER
    ( sarcastic . )
    Yeah. Sounds like the Constitution to me. With a little of the Bill of Rights thrown in.
    RODGERS
    Inspector Brimmer, this is no joke During your surveillance have you seen any outside agitators? Professorial types? Communists?
    BRIMMER
    No. I've seen Black men handing out bags of food. Having meetings. Patrolling the neighborhood. Having more meetings. They ai n't.
    RODGERS
    They are carrying guns. They are threatening police officers. They are undermining the United States of America. And you Inspector Brimmer are not taking your duties seriously.
    DORSETT
    Now hold on Rodgers.
    RODGERS
    Chief Dorsett, if the Black Panthers are going to remain in your jurisdiction, some fundamental changes in attitude need to be made.
    BRIMMER
    Like?
    RODGERS
    Like, you Inspector Brimmer are not going to be sitting in your car anymore. I think it's time for a more active type of involvement.

EXT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
    Beat by late hours , DORSETT walks to his car - a brand new CADILLAC , sitting in his ` reserved ' spot . A LIMOUSINE pulls up next to him . Its window rolls down . At first we do n't see the passenger 's face .
    VOICE
    Evening Chief. Another hard day keeping the streets safe?
    DORSETT
    ( forced joviality . )
    What are you doing out so late?
    VOICE
    I like to keep an eye on my `` investments'' so to speak. You know we still need to discuss that business expansion we spoke of.
    DORSETT
    ( ill at ease . )
    Look, I do n't think.
    LOUIS TRAFFICANTE - all style , all mobster - LEANS out the window . His right hand man , TONY , at the wheel . He points to the Cadillac .
    TRAFFICANTE
    That's a beautiful car. You'd do well to remember who paid for it. Good night, Chief, we'll speak again soon.

INT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - DAY
    Dawn pushes pink against the loft windows as Judge , dressed for class , pores over Cy 's copy of `` Wretched of the Earth . ''
    CY
    ( coming out . )
    Man, did you see Huey down on Grove street? All up on that cop, that was beautiful.
    JUDGE
    Yeah, it was alright. Hey, can you give me a lift?
    CY
    You got it. Berkeley?
    JUDGE
    No, Panther Headquarters.
    ( a smile . )
    Least that way we could hang out more like we used to.
    CY
    You joining? My Brother.
    ( hugging Judge . )
    My brother.

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Panther HQ has improved . Bobby Seale stands behind a newly painted display counter , interviewing NEW RECRUITS . BOBBY 'S POV - FACE MONTAGE FACES - all of them BLACK , all of them MEN , most of them ANGRY - flash into the frame , each talking .
    FACE #1
    Sign me up! Just gim me a gun and point out the cops you want me to shoot.
    FACE #2
    Where's the free food at?
    FACE #3
    My momma, she marched with King. Do n't know exactly what kinda change that brought. But man you put that cop on Grove through some serious changes!
    FACE #4
    I hear you Panther boys get the finest pussy.
    FACE #5
    Vietnam man. I go there and then come back to some honky motherfucker telling me what to do, beating my ass if I do n't. Man. fuck that.
    A FINAL FACE comes into view . JUDGE 'S

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    CY stands proudly next to Judge in front of Bobby .
    CY
    Judge is gon na join us.
    Tyrone looks less than pleased at the news .
    BOBBY
    Welcome Brother, if we stand together we can break the chains.
    TYRONE
    ( miffed , to Judge . )
    Huey wants to see you.
    JUDGE
    Huh?
    TYRONE
    He had a feeling you'd be coming by.

INT. BACKROOM - DAY
    Judge moves warily into the dim and musty room . As his eyes acclimate to the gloom he spots HUEY sitting half hidden in the shadows .
    HUEY
    Welcome brother, have you decided to get down with us?
    JUDGE
    I'm down.
    HUEY
    Yeah. You were a lot of help with those guns. Your soldier shit is bad - ass.
    JUDGE
    I'd hoped I was finished with all that. But.
    ( shrugs . )

    HUEY
    You know, you're lucky to be back. Most niggers die on the front lines. Seems like that's what they're there for.
    JUDGE
    Do n't I know it. Every brother I knew in ` Nam's dead. My company. a land mine. Twenty of my friends dead in less than a second.
    HUEY
    Mind if I ask you something? Why'd you put up with shit like that for someone else's war?
    Judge flashes Huey a look of bare honesty .
    JUDGE
    Hey, GI bill pays for school. And shit, if I stuck around here, instead of signing up, I'd probably be in jail, or sitting on the stoop drinking Bitter Dog with Rose, you know?
    HUEY
    Yeah I know. You're smart Judge. You ai n't no bourgeois nigger like those Paper Panthers across the bay. I need every good man to help us with the security on Betty Shabazz, particularly soldiers. You do solid on that I might have something else for you, something real important.
    JUDGE
    Whatever you need, I'll be there.
    HUEY
    Right on Brother Judge.
    Huey and Judge grip HANDS .

EXT. OAKLAND AIRPORT - DAY
    TITLE : FEBRUARY 21 , 1967 With tight precision , HUEY , TYRONE , JUDGE , CY , GENE , BOBBY , CARTER and LITTLE BOBBY form a circle around BETTY SHABAZZ guiding her past AIRPORT POLICE to a waiting car . Led by ROY the PAPER PANTHERS seem useless in their dashikis and fluffed Afros .

INT. RAMPARTS OFFICE - DAY
    In an INNER OFFICE , Betty Shabazz talks with ELDRIDGE , a tall man wearing sunglasses . In the OUTER OFFICE , Huey 's PANTHERS stand by while ROY 'S PAPER PANTHERS do little .
    ELDRIDGE
    What would you tell young brothers and sisters to do in following Brother Malcolm's footsteps?
    BETTY SHABAZZ
    I'd say that Malcolm lives in each of us. We all need to work together for the community.
    ( gesturing outside . )
    Like those brothers out there are.
    Overhearing , Roy PREENS a bit at Betty 's words . Nearby JUDGE flicks his eyes to the GUN at Roy 's waistband .
    JUDGE
    ( low . )
    Huey.
    Suddenly ROY spots something outside . POLICE CARS , followed closely by NEWS VANS .
    ROY
    ( nervous . )
    Oh oh.
    Snapping up his SHOTGUN , Huey nods to the others . Bobby Seale pulls back his jacket revealing a .45 . Solemn , professional , Huey and the Panthers file out the door . ROY 'S PAPER PANTHERS hang behind .

EXT. RAMPARTS OFFICE - DAY
    Led by Huey , the Panthers take up a line between the cops and the office . REPORTERS , expecting another GROVE STREET , push forward .
    COP #1
    ( eyeing Huey 's gun . )
    What's going on here son?
    HUEY
    We are breaking no law, you've have no right to detain us.
    A REPORTER spots BETTY SHABAZZ , flanked by JUDGE and TYRONE leaving the building heading toward a car .
    REPORTER
    There she is!
    Surging forward the reporters PUSH CAMERAS toward BETTY SHABAZZ . One of them , CHUCK , tries to push HUEY away . Controlled , Huey holds Chuck in check , watching Betty move toward the car . Chuck PUSHES FORWARD trying to get a PICTURE . Seeing Betty safely inside and the car PULLING AWAY , Huey SHOVES Chuck back . Chuck makes to swing at Huey . Huey SHOVES HIM DOWN .
    HUEY
    ( to Cop # 1 . )
    Arrest this man!
    COP #1
    If I'm gon na arrest anyone it's going to be you.
    Fast , the PANTHERS take up position behind Huey , their GUNS highly visible . Huey flicks the SAFETY of his shotgun .
    HUEY
    Not today!
    ROY come running out , UNARMED , scared yelling at Huey .
    ROY
    Do n't point that gun!
    COP #1
    That's right be a smart nigger like your friend.
    TENSION ripples through the air as ROY runs back inside . Huey glares at the cop .
    HUEY
    He's not my friend and I promise you pig. Your men draw and this will be a blood bath. It's your call.
    EVERY PANTHER stands facing the cops , weapons at the ready . THROUGH the glass PAPER PANTHERS can be seen HIDING . Slowly the cops begin backing away .
    CHUCK
    ( to the cops . )
    Are n't you going to do anything.
    COP #1
    ( nervous . )
    Like he said asshole, they're not breaking any law.
    Screeching their TIRES the police leave .

INT. BOBBY'S CAR - NIGHT
    Packed in the car , Bobby , Little Bobby , Judge , Cy and Tyrone recount the day as HUEY drives .
    LITTLE BOBBY
    You see that on jive dashiki man, hiding under the desk. Shit paper panthers.
    Huey notices JUDGE 'S SILENCE .
    HUEY
    What it be Judge. Nobody got hurt, Sister Betty's safe. This was a good day.
    JUDGE
    They were empty.
    BOBBY
    What was empty?
    JUDGE
    The Paper Panthers' guns, they were n't loaded. I know guns man. Those guns were empty.
    Huey 's KNUCKLES TIGHTEN on the steering wheel .

EXT. YARD - DAY
    FISH fries on a grill as ROY and the PAPER PANTHERS celebrate . Alma 's looking DISGUSTED with the whole thing .
    ROY
    Like I say Brothers we are the vanguard.
    ( to Alma . )
    Get me a beer. I tell you once Cleaver's story comes out, we're gon na.
    ROY 'S face DROPS as HUEY AND THE OTHER PANTHERS appear at the edge of the party . Huey marches up , YANKING Roy 's gun from his pants , checking it .
    HUEY
    We put our lives on the line today. Malcolm X's widow was on the line today. And your guns were n't even loaded.
    ROY
    A gun's a gun man. It do n't need to be loaded.
    HUEY
    Tell that to the pigs. Better yet tell that to Malcolm.
    ROY
    Wait a second there brother.
    HUEY
    No you wait a second. You and your `` Panthers'' got three choices. One you join with us and follow our rules. Two you change your name.
    ( a smile . )
    Or three you face annihilation.
    PAPER PANTHERS step up , Huey 's men follow suit . Judge standing right at Huey 's .
    ROY
    Pretty boy, you're a long way from Oakland. Fuck you.
    Bam ! Huey hits Roy with a ferocious hook . A BIG PAPER PANTHER moves on Huey , Judge DROPS HIM like a stone . In seconds Huey 's men have kicked the shit out of the Paper Panthers . Huey 's got ROY 'S FACE in the grill .
    HUEY
    You're exactly the kind of brother we do n't need. Kind of brother who gets others killed. Now you gon na change your name.
    Huey pulls Roy up , his SINGED BEARD covered with fish and onions . ROY just glares silently .
    ALMA
    Roy, tell him you'll do it.
    Huey shoves Roy 's face back down toward the grill .
    ROY
    Please! Yes! We'll change the name.
    Throwing ROY away , Huey LOCKS EYES with Alma as the Panthers depart . She watches them every step of the way . Nearby SOMEONE ELSE watches the Panthers also . ELDRIDGE CLEAVER , the reporter from Ramparts .

INT. HUEY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
    Unwinding , alone with Judge , Huey hands him a beer .
    HUEY
    You were alright Judge, better than alright. You're what the Party needs. A fighter but also one that's going to school not making the man too nervous.
    JUDGE
    I do n't know about that.
    HUEY
    I do. You think you're smart enough to keep playing the game?
    JUDGE
    What, I do n't know how you mean?
    HUEY
    See, the thing about Panthers. For all their speed and strength. They are not naturally aggressive. They do n't just go out killing, tearing through the jungles murdering. No, the Panther.
    ( makes a fist . )
    keeps his claws hidden until he is attacked, until he's backed into a corner. Then.
    ( opens his fist . )
    believe me those claws are fierce.
    JUDGE
    Huey, you're losing me. What are you talking about?
    HUEY
    I'm talking about survival. Yours, mine, all of it. Outside and in. You got to do something for me. Staying alive might depend on it. The pigs are gon na try to infiltrate us and we're gon na let'em. But their spy's gon na be our spy too. How about it?
    There 's a pause as Judge chews on the grave proposition .
    JUDGE
    Me? You've got a whole lot of other folks signing up. Why me?
    HUEY
    You fit the profile, Brother. You look exactly like the kind of nigger they think they can trust.

EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING - WASH D.C. - DAY
    A cold harsh building sits like a satisfied giant on the Capitol street .

EXT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
    Passing a SIGN on the door : FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DIRECTOR : J.E. HOOVER . The Uber - cop himself sits at the desk , his large watery eyes scanning a TELETYPE . He presses an INTERCOM .
    HOOVER
    Get me out man in Oakland.

EXT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    A HUGE LINE of NEW RECRUITS stretches outside the building .

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Bobby and Tyrone stand there uncomfortably facing ALMA and a platoon of SISTERS .
    TYRONE
    Alma!? I uhh I do n't think.
    ALMA
    What do you mean? We're black ai n't we? And we care about improving the plight of out people do n't we? Or you figure oppression stops at that thing dangling between your legs!
    TYRONE
    ( looking to Bobby . )
    Uhh. I with it sister but.
    ALMA
    But nothing, we want full fledged membership in the Black Panther Party. and none of this `` Okay sugah as long as you stay in the background washing my socks and rubbing my feet'' bullshit either!
    Bobby GRINS .
    BOBBY
    I can dig that! If your down with the Ten - Point - Program, sign up.

EXT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Panthers place POSTERS of Bobby Seale and Huey in the storefront window as JUDGE , ALMA , CY and TYRONE load LEAFLETS into a VAN .
    BOBBY
    ( over . )
    There's a lot of work to be done.

INT. SCHOOL - DAY
    Little Bobby Hutton lectures a group of school kids

INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - BREAKFAST PROGRAM - DAY
    Judge 's HAND ladles out porridge to a sea of hungry kids . ALMA smiles across the room at them .

EXT. JUNKYARD - DAY
    Tyrone and Cy watch as Judge holds an M1 RIFLE , lecturing NEW RECRUITS . Each recruit has a DISASSEMBLED RIFLE . Judge starts his stopwatch . The RECRUITS fumble with the rifles . Suddenly a sound - the perfect clicking and clacking of metal on metal . ALMA assembles her rifle with lightning speed . Still FUMBLING with their rifles , the other recruits stare amazed at Alma . Judge checks the stopwatch . TWENTY SEVEN SECONDS . Looking up , Judge and TYRONE 'S EYES MEET .

EXT. FIFTY FIFTH AND MARKET - DAY
    Judge takes his place DIRECTING TRAFFIC . Turning Judge LOCKS EYES with RITA across the street . She looks worried . END MONTAGE

EXT. UC BERKELEY CAMPUS - DAY
    Judge hawks RED BOOKS to park goers , engaging them in pro panther banter . Black folk move away from him when they spot BRIMMER , an obvious cop , striding toward Judge .
    BRIMMER
    You're Judge right? We need to talk.
    JUDGE
    I do n't know you and I got nothing to say to you.
    BRIMMER
    ( flashing his badge . )
    Yeah you do. It's up to you either here or downtown.
    Giving up , Judge walks with Brimmer listening as the cop talks .

INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
    Huey 's COOKING BREAKFAST for the kids as Alma , Tyrone and Little Bobby serve up bowls of porridge . Passing the munching kids , Judge - obviously excited - moves over to Huey .
    JUDGE
    ( sotto voce . )
    They tried to recruit me. Just like you figured.
    Tyrone looks over , FROWNING . Huey signals him that everything 's cool .
    HUEY
    ( joking loudly . )
    You're a little old to be a school boy are n't you brother.
    ( whispering . )
    Cool it! You're probably not the only one they've gone after. Stall a little so they believe you're for real. Make them trust you.
    ( raising his voice . )
    Hey Tyrone, you figure feeding our children is gon na make The Man jumpy?
    TYRONE
    ( bantering back . )
    Black people getting uppity, feeding their children breakfast, taking their destiny into their own hands. What's this world coming to?

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    TITLE : RICHMOND CALIFORNIA , APRIL 1 , 1967 Pursued , a thin Black man - DENZIL DOWELL - LIMPS painfully past . TWO COPS , guns drawn , run after him .
    COP #1
    Hands up, you ai n't going nowhere.
    Faced with a BLIND ALLEY , Dowell RAISES his hands . The cops close in .
    DENZIL
    I was n't going nowhere in the first place. I ai n't done shit.
    COP #2
    `` Done shit, SIR!'' Nigger do n't move.
    Scared , Denzil instinctively BACKS AWAY from the cops .
    DENZIL
    I ai n't done.
    GUNFIRE rips through the alley .

INT. LIVING ROOM - DOWELL HOME - DAY
    The room is filled with mourners . Shades are drawn but a little sun brushes the PANTHERS LEATHER JACKETS . Denzil 's brother GEORGE , speaks softly to MOMMA DOWELL .
    GEORGE
    Momma, these here are the Panthers I asked over from Oakland.
    MOMMA DOWELL
    I thank you all for coming to grieve with us. The police wo n't tell us nothing.
    MOURNER
    They been shooting Black men down around here like they're going out of style.
    MOMMA DOWELL
    ( breaking into tears . )
    My boy did n't do nothing. He did n't do nothing. Ca n't nobody do something.
    HUEY
    We came to do something.

EXT. RICHMOND RALLY - DAY
    Panthers , carrying GUNS , line both sides of the block . NEW FACES can be seen with Judge , Alma , Cy , Tyrone , Little Bobby and the others . A block or so distant , the SHERIFF 'S OFFICE looms up .

EXT. RICHMOND RALLY - DAY
    BOBBY SEALE shuttles back and forth distributing PROGRAMS and LEAFLETS to a forest of outstretched Black hands . HUEY stands on top of a car , his strong voice ringing out over the gathering .
    HUEY
    The police report says he was shot three times but the coroner's report says quite clearly that Denzil Dowell was shot six times. And two of those shots were in his armpits. Brothers and Sisters you know why that is?
    ( raises his arms up . )
    Because Denzil had his hands up!
    BOBBY SEALE
    ( to crowd . )
    No more police brutality! WHAT DO WE WANT?
    THE CROWD
    JUSTICE!
    Frenzied hands grab all the PAMPHLETS from Bobby .
    SEALE
    ( to Judge . )
    More programs man! In the car.
    Judge moves away toward the PONTIAC .

EXT. BOBBY'S CAR - DAY
    Judge grabs a pile of LEAFLETS off the seat . Turning back to the rally , Judge comes nose to nose with BRIMMER .
    BRIMMER
    Afternoon asshole. You shoulda told me about this. C'mon.

EXT. RALLY - DAY
    Tyrone SEES Brimmer spin Judge around and cuff him .
    BOBBY SEALE
    WHAT DO WE WANT?
    THE PANTHERS
    JUSTICE!
    Tyrone NUDGES Huey , gesturing to Judge being led to Brimmer 's UNMARKED CAR .
    TYRONE
    C'mon let's.
    HUEY
    No! Just harassment. Ca n't let it stop this.
    ( an eye to car , then the crowd . )
    Brother we got momentum!
    Whipped up , the crowd YELLS as Tyrone looks perplexed .
    BOBBY
    What do we want!?
    THE CROWD
    JUSTICE!
    REVEREND SLOCUM steps out , trying to calm the crowd .
    REVEREND SLOCUM
    Amen! The Lord God Almighty be our witness. Let us bow our heads and pray for.
    BOBBY
    ( interrupting , raising his fist . )
    POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
    CROWD
    POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
    The Panthers move into precise FORMATION . Huey and Bobby at the front , the crowd moves toward the Sheriff 's Office .

EXT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY
    Tense , a DOUBLE LINE of police blocks the entrance . With the crowd screaming for `` JUSTICE ! '' and `` BLACK POWER ! '' behind them , Bobby and Huey step up to the Deputies .
    DEPUTY
    ( shoving Huey . )
    You're not getting in here with no gun.
    Huey SHOVES the cop back . The line of cops BRISTLES .
    HUEY
    This firearm is being carried in plain view and is therefore perfectly legal according to California statute.
    COP
    Over my dead body.
    Huey steps back and Clack ! , jerks a ROUND into the gun . A HUSH falls over the crowd . The POLICE raise their weapons .
    HUEY
    That's your call pig.
    Rev. Slocum puts a steadying hand on Huey 's arm .
    REV. SLOCUM
    ( to cops . )
    We come for justice, not bloodshed but do n't be pushing us too far.
    Tense moments pass . Huey looks over at MOMMA DOWELL , reading the concern in her eyes . Then , Huey and Bobby RAISE their weapons up , PASSING THEM to the police . Unarmed , The Panthers enter the building .

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY
    Surrounded by deputies , Bobby and Huey confront the smug SHERIFF .
    BOBBY
    Bled to death!?!? The Coroner's report says he was shot to death. We demand a grand jury investigation in the death of Denzil Dowell and the pattern of brutality against the Black citizens of Richmond.
    SHERIFF
    ( icy . )
    The Police department has conducted its own inquest and concluded that no misconduct occurred. As for a `` pattern of brutality.'' The charge is ridiculous.
    HUEY
    Then what do you call four dead Black men in six months?!
    SHERIFF
    I call it the police doing there duty under the law. You got a problem with that. take it to the legislature but get the hell out of my office.
    BOBBY
    ( to Huey . )
    The pig might just have a point.

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY
    Brimmer 's UNMARKED CAR sits in front of the tattered building near the heart of Oakland .

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY
    JUDGE - handcuffed to a chair in the vast lofty space - looks like he 's been through the wringer . BRIMMER , smoking vehemently , hovers over him .
    BRIMMER
    So. we understand each other Judge?
    JUDGE
    ( sullen . )
    Yeah.

INT. ANOTHER PART OF THE WAREHOUSE - DAY
    RODGERS watches Judge and Brimmer from the SHADOWS .

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY
    Brimmer UNCUFFS Judge from the chair .
    BRIMMER
    Alright then.
    Judge STANDS a little shakily . Brimmer slides a BUSINESS CARD in his pocket .
    BRIMMER
    I expect to hear from you soon. If Huey Newton takes a crap, I want to know how big it was. Otherwise I'm gon na come looking for you. And I wo n't be as `` friendly'' as today.
    JUDGE
    I got you.
    Judge turns to leave . Brimmer stops him
    BRIMMER
    You just remember one thing Judge. You've got a lot at stake. And The Panthers are gon na lose. Question is, are you gon na lose along with them? Your future? Your mother? Think about it.
    Judge leaves . Brimmer takes a long drag of his cigarette , STARING at RODGERS .

EXT. WAREHOUSE - DAY
    Half a step out the door , Judge THROWS Brimmer 's CARD away .

EXT. DE FEMERY PARK - DAY
    A combination BARBECUE/AWARENESS RALLY covers the park . Panthers and just plain neighborhood folk eat , drink and talk . Judge - a worried look on his face - walks by . Huey 's on the podium , speaking clearly and passionately .
    HUEY
    As soon as black people exercise their rights to bear arms and defend themselves the pigs want to change the law. We're not going to make it easy for them to have unarmed targets. Now, you all have a good time cause this here's our community and it is a beautiful thing.
    ( raising his fist . )
    Power to the people.
    Pulsing MUSIC kicks in as Huey steps from the stage .

EXT. DE FEMERY PARK - SIDE OF THE STAGE - DAY
    Huey joins a meeting in progress with Tyrone , Alma and Bobby , who 's particularly edgy .
    HUEY
    This brothers is gon na be a colossal event. We'll shut the mother down right at the capitol, in front of the cameras.
    ( annoyed off Bobby 's pacing . )
    Will you cool it? What's up man? What it be Bobby?
    BOBBY
    What it be is, You are n't coming with us.
    HUEY
    What? We're the leadership, you and me. There ai n't enough of us to.
    BOBBY
    That's just it Huey. The pigs do n't know how many Panthers there are. Both of us show and they might start putting 2 and 2 together. We're not even two hundred strong yet. but we got'em guessing thousands.
    HUEY
    I hear you. Alright. I'll go, you stay.
    Admiring , Bobby shakes his head .
    BOBBY
    Huey. We took a vote. You're still on probation. We ca n't risk you. Things is starting to get hot. Go mow yo momma's lawn like you promised.
    Huey 's TENSES , ready to argue . Then he SPOTS Judge . A LOOK passes between them .
    HUEY
    Alright, I'll stay. Judge, I want to.
    TYRONE
    ( to Judge . )
    Where you been? I saw the cops rousting you at the rally.
    JUDGE
    Aw. uh. it's was just harassment. My driver's license expired.
    HUEY
    Chickenshits, they're grabbing at anything.
    Huey leads Judge away , Tyrone WATCHES them closely , very suspicious .

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE PARK - DAY
    Huey 's charged , talking fast to Judge .
    HUEY
    What's the pig's name?
    JUDGE
    Brimmer.
    HUEY
    ( very serious . )
    You got to keep very cool on this. Icy god damn cool. Cause baby, you just became the strongest weapon we got. Let me guess, he wants you to call him, tell him what we're doing.
    JUDGE
    Yeah.
    HUEY
    And you're gon na do just that. But I'll tell you what to feed the pig. You alright with this?
    JUDGE
    Yeah. I guess. Any of other Panthers know about this?
    Huey just looks at Judge silently .
    JUDGE
    Man, this shit's pretty thick.
    HUEY
    You got that right. And brother, I got a feeling it's going to get a whole lot thicker.

EXT. LEGISLATURE BUILDING - DAY
    TITLE : SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA MAY 2 , 1967 Governor RONALD REAGAN stands on the Capitol lawn speaking to THE FUTURE LEADERS - a teenage group . Suddenly , THE PANTHERS pull up , stepping out of their cars , ARMED , clad in black leather . CHAOS erupts . Bodyguards whisk Reagan away as a swarm of NEWS CREWS converge on the Panthers . CAMERAS flanked around him , a REPORTER shoves a microphone in Bobby 's face .
    NEWSMAN
    Is this a militant action? Are the Panthers storming the Capitol?
    BOBBY
    No! Definitely not!
    ( to the news camera . )
    We are here to send a message. The Black Panther Party for Self Defense calls upon the American people in general and Black people in particular to take careful note of the racist California Legislature now considering the Mulford Act, which is aimed at keeping Black people disarmed and powerless while racist police agencies throughout the country intensify the terror, brutality, murder and repression of Black people.

INT. LEGISLATURE - DAY
    It 's hard to tell who there 's more of - Panthers or reporters - as the chaotic circus enters a LONG CORRIDOR . Seale 's in the lead , with Little Bobby , Alma and Tyrone following . Disoriented , they CLIMB stairs , continuing down another CORRIDOR . A GUARD at a DOORWAY starts to freak .
    GUARD
    You ca n't come in here!
    BOBBY
    We are here to observe the Assembly. You will not stop us.
    GUARD
    This door leads to the Assembly floor, it's closed to the public. You have to go to the Visitor's Gallery, it's.
    The guard TURNS TO POINT , Seale twists to follow his finger . Reporters swing around . A crewman BUMPS into the guard . CHAOS . The entourage PANICS , stumbling through the door . A mass of Panthers and reporters spill into .

INT. ASSEMBLY ROOM FLOOR - DAY
    Pro Tem Speaker Carlos Bee 's mouth drops as a noisy mass of Panthers and reporters careens into the chambers . Swiftly the rat pack of reporters BACKS AWAY , leaving the Panthers , armed and confused , in the MIDDLE OF THE ROOM . SECURITY GUARDS converge on the Panthers . FOOTAGE Camera pans up from lawnmower to Huey 's face . FADE INTO US and International HEADLINES scream the story . `` New York Times , '' France 's `` Le Figaro , Italy 's `` Il Giornale . '' The Panthers have just become a worldwide phenomenon .
    PROSECUTOR
    ( over . )
    Tell the court Mr. Seale are you proud to be the co - founder of the Panthers, an anti - white movement.
    BOBBY
    ( over . )
    The Black Panther Party is not anti - white, you can not fight racism with racism.
    APPLAUSE rings out .
    JUDGE
    ( over . )
    Gentlemen, please approach the bench.
    The Judge 's GAVEL BANGS .

INT. COURTROOM - AT THE BENCH - DAY
    Bobby , Huey , Prosecutors , Defenders and the Judge yell . GAVEL still banging , a rapid - fire PLEA BARGAIN is underway .
    DEFENSE ATTORNEY
    My clients broke no law. It was an accident, a wrong turn. Besides, the guns were not illegal. Dismissal!
    PROSECUTOR
    They will be as soon as the Mulford act passes. Six Months for everyone!
    Huey SHAKES his head at the Defense Attorney .
    PROSECUTOR
    Okay, last offer. Ninety days, no felony charges, just a disturbing the peace.
    Huey NODS .
    DEFENSE ATTORNEY
    Deal!
    PROSECUTOR
    Not so fast. But only if he.
    ( points to Bobby . )
    and one of his lieutenants agree to six months.
    HUEY
    You got six months to donate to the party, Bobby?
    BOBBY
    You know it brother.

INT. HOOVER'S OFFICE - DAY
    The TAPE MACHINE rolls as a very agitated FBI director growls into the phone .
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    . at least that takes Bobby Seale off the street.
    HOOVER
    Not good enough Rodgers. Not good enough at all. Black terrorists on the floor of a State Capitol. I will not say this again, these Negro Commies are to be stopped and now. You tear them down. Either from the outside or the inside.
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    We're working on that.
    HOOVER
    Work harder. And get me some results. Those Black Bastards could be up to anything.

EXT. MARKET STREET - NIGHT
    Finished with traffic duty Judge walks home . He passes BRIMMER 'S CAR at the curb .
    BRIMMER
    C'mon we're going for a ride.

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - NIGHT
    Brimmer 's car pulls onto the bridge .

INT. BRIMMER'S CAR - NIGHT
    Brimmer lights a cigarette angrily .
    BRIMMER
    Why did n't you tell us about the party you boys were planning at the capitol?
    JUDGE
    Shit man. It was. you know spontaneous.
    BRIMMER
    Spontaneous my ass! You told the press and you do n't tell me. Remember you're working for us.
    JUDGE
    Yeah. whatever you say.
    BRIMMER
    Are you fucking with me? You smartass piece of shit.

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - NIGHT
    Brimmer 's car SWERVES pulling over in the MIDDLE of the bridge . Playing angry cop to hilt , Brimmer jumps out .
    BRIMMER
    Get out of the car.
    JUDGE
    What's with you?
    BRIMMER
    Get out of the fucking car.
    Judge obeys . Brimmer produces HANDCUFFS . He CUFFS Judge .
    BRIMMER
    `` Whatever you say, Inspector Brimmer.'' Fucking a right pal. Time you got your wiry head on straight.
    Brimmer grabs the front of Judge 's shirt , PUSHING him hard against the railing . It 's a hellish drop . Brimmer pushes harder . Judge 's FEET scramble for purchase .
    JUDGE
    What are you crazy?
    BRIMMER
    Do you know how easy it would be for you to just disappear. Shit, you would n't even wash up for weeks. Do you fucking understand?
    ( still pushing . )
    I want you to move your ass outta neutral. I want a bunch of Panthers served up on a fucking plate. I want you to set'em up. armed robbery!
    JUDGE
    I ca n't. they do n't operate that way.
    BRIMMER
    Fuck how they operate. Just do it. like your man says, `` By any means necessary.''
    Brimmer UNCUFFS Judge , stuffing an ENVELOPE OF MONEY in his pocket .
    BRIMMER
    Alright then. Here's a little help on your tuition. Get back in the car.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    In UNIFORM , proud - Tyrone and Cy walk down the street toward Cy and Judge 's APARTMENT .
    TYRONE
    Where the hell's Judge anyway?
    CY
    Between school and the Panthers, he's been running raw. I never see. Aw shit.
    Cy catches SOMETHING happening across the street .

EXT. CY'S POV - ACROSS THE STREET - NIGHT
    SABU makes a furtive EXCHANGE with a young BLACK KID .

EXT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    Tyrone sees what Cy 's looking at .
    TYRONE
    You want a hand?
    CY
    ( tossing Tyrone KEYS . )
    No. go on up. I been kicking his narrow ass since high school.
    Cy trots across the street . A WHITE GIRL walks his way .
    WHITE GIRL
    What you got to sell?
    CY
    ( rolling his eyes . )
    Lady, every Black man you lay eyes on ai n't a dope dealer.

INT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    Tyrone waits inside the messy apartment . Suddenly he spots JUDGE 'S CLOTHES hanging over a chair . A moment passes . Then Tyrone , begins RIFLING through a pair PANTS . He checks Judge 's WALLET . Pulling out a DRIVER 'S LICENSE , Tyrone 's finger traces the EXPIRATION DATE : 5/20/69 .
    TYRONE
    ( to himself . )
    `` My license was expired'' Yeah, right.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Cy 's got SABU against the wall , hissing into his face .
    CY
    I ai n't gon na tell you no more. No pushing in the neighborhood, especially not on my fucking street. You're killing your own people asshole.
    SABU
    Man, fuck you!
    CY
    No Fuck you!
    Cy SLUGS Sabu hard in the gut , dropping him to the ground .
    CY
    I ai n't playing Sabu. You keep on like this and I'm going to bust you up.
    Shaking his head in disgust , Cy heads toward home .

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Holding his belly , Sabu catches his breath . SHOES appear in front of him , shiny COP SHOES . It 's SGT. SCHRECK .
    SABU
    Aww man.
    SCHRECK
    Those Panthers are turning into real shitheels ai n't they.
    Schreck REACHES DOWN , helping Sabu . Sabu 's amazed at the `` Good Cop '' routine .
    SABU
    Yeah, they're motherfuckers, all high and mighty.
    SCHRECK
    You should n't take that. If I was you.
    ( an edge of violence . )
    I'd stand up for myself, if you know what I mean.

INT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    CY looks around the empty space .
    CY
    Tyrone? Shit, where'd you go?

INT. PANTHER MEETING - NIGHT
    Room filled with all the PANTHERS and more than a few NEW FACES , Huey stands at the podium , filled with purpose .
    HUEY
    Look around you, brothers and sisters, we're building the numbers. New members coming in almost every day. I'd like to introduce one of them. He's is the author of `` Soul on Ice,'' a respected journalist and I'm proud to say the newly appointed Minister of Information for the Black Panther Party. Brothers and sisters, Eldridge Cleaver.
    Applause rises as the tall , black man from before , still wear SUNGLASSES , strides to the podium .
    ELDRIDGE
    Brothers and Sisters! You are all well aware of the chains that we as a people bear. The chains of slavery, of second class citizenship. But there are other, more invisible chains. The chains of not speaking your mind. The chains of all the words left unsaid out of fear of reprisal by The Man. The silencing of our Black voices. I'm here to tell you that we have a voice.
    ( a smile . )
    And I'd like to prove to you. All of you, repeat after me.
    SILENCE fills the room , everyone hangs on Eldridge 's words .
    ELDRIDGE
    Fuck Ronald Reagan.
    Smiles hit the assembled faces . Judge chuckles .
    ELDRIDGE
    I'm serious. Repeat after me. Fuck Ronald Reagan.
    ASSEMBLY
    Fuck Ronald Reagan!
    ELDRIDGE
    Feels good do n't it. Amazing how saying your mind can free your soul.
    ASSEMBLY
    Fuck Ronald Reagan!
    Powerful and playful , the CHANT course through the room . Everyone 's SMILING , reveling in the camaraderie .

EXT. OUTSIDE THE MEETING - NIGHT
    Meeting over , Huey , Judge and Tyrone watch the room clear . Tyrone 's EDGY , trying to get Huey alone .
    TYRONE
    Huey man I got to talk with you.
    HUEY
    So talk.
    TYRONE
    ( looking at Judge . )
    Alone.
    HUEY
    Look. can we deal with this tomorrow. I'm tired.
    Huey walks away , leaving Tyrone glaring at Judge .

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - DAY
    Sun streams through the girders , shining its light equally on both sides of the bridge .

INT. HUEY'S VW - DAY
    Upset and in deeper than he ever expected , Judge smacks the dashboard in frustration .
    HUEY
    Listen Judge, Oakland's Panther International Headquarters. We shut the Pig's infiltration down here, they're gon na think twice about running their games on other chapters.
    JUDGE
    Huey, man who's gon na straighten out the brothers if they get on my ass?
    HUEY
    Like the manual says, `` Information is.
    HUEY AND JUDGE
    ( in unison . )
    disseminated on a need - to - know basis.''
    HUEY
    Yeah, and what I need to know, is what exactly your gon na do about feeding the pigs a bust?
    JUDGE
    I do n't know man. I do n't know. That reminds me.
    ( passing an ENVELOPE to Huey . )
    Another little donation from the police.
    HUEY
    If the pigs only knew they were subsidizing The Panthers.
    JUDGE
    Yeah well, they want a lot for their money. They want a felony, preferably with `` violent intent.'' We've got to give them something. They'll kill me if I do n't. And the Panthers are going to kill me if I do. I'm scared.
    HUEY
    Me too. That's why I fight so hard.

EXT. GROVE STREET - DUSK (MAGIC HOUR)
    Something 's CHANGED in the neighborhood , the Panther presence seems to have given the street focus . Folks gather nearby , hanging enjoying the sunshine . Bo Diddley 's `` Oh Baby '' grooves from a radio . CY - amped on the movement - walks out of the PANTHER HQ . He runs into JUDGE out on the street .
    CY
    Hey, it's the invisible man. Brother where you been?
    JUDGE
    ( gripping Cy 's hand . )
    Cy. I ai n't even sure.
    CY
    C'mon we'll walk and talk.
    JUDGE
    ( pointing inside . )
    Naw. I got ta.
    CY
    I hear you. I'll catch you in a bit. Feeling cooped up in there, you know?
    Cy steps out into Grove street . Judge WATCHES him go .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DUSK
    Cy cruises the street . People check out the UNIFORM , some even offer up a `` Right on . '' or flash the fist salute . ROSE - staked out on his steps - beckons Cy over .
    ROSE
    Hey. Cy. what now you a righteous Panther man, you too uppity to drink with us?
    CY
    You know that's bullshit.
    Rose passes him the BOTTLE , Cy takes a small swig . Immediately his FACE PUCKERS .
    CY
    Aaaah, Bitter Motherfucker. I almost forgot how nasty that shit is.
    ROSE
    Well do n't go forgetting your friends.
    CY
    ( leaving . )
    Ai n't gon na happen, stay cool.
    ROSE
    You know it. Stay Black.
    CY
    Damn straight.

EXT. 50TH STREET - NIGHT
    Rounding a corner Cy spots SABU - yep , he 's still dealing . Rolling his eyes , Cy steps toward him .
    CY
    I swear, you got ta be a card - carrying member of the stupid revolution.
    Sabu 's SCARED , he backs away from Cy . Customers SCATTER .
    SABU
    Motherfucker. you stay away.
    CY
    Look this is bull.
    Dumb , cowardly , SABU comes up with a PISTOL . He FIRES it into Cy , not even aiming , just fear pulling a trigger . Once , Twice , Three times . Cy takes a PAIR of BULLETS straight to the chest . Blood flecks his surprised face .
    CY
    ( amazed . )
    . shit.
    Cy COLLAPSES onto the pavement as SABU runs away .

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Alone in the main room , Judge works a MIMEOGRAPH MACHINE , running off more Ten Point Programs . TYRONE comes in through the back door , startling Judge .
    TYRONE
    C'mere.

EXT. ALLEY BEHIND PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Carter has an obviously terrified YOUNG PANTHER up against the wall as Judge and Tyrone step into the half light .
    TYRONE
    Signed up ` bout a month ago. Says his name's Matty. I call him spy!
    Wham ! Tyrone SLUGS Matty right in the gut .
    TYRONE
    Motherfucker gave the pigs the license numbers of every Panther car.
    Tyrone grabs Matty 's INDEX FINGER .
    TYRONE
    ( to Matty . )
    This the finger you ratted on us with?
    CRACK ! Tyrone jerks Matty 's finger back BREAKING IT . Repulsed , Judge turns back inside .

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Tyrone bolts in after Judge .
    TYRONE
    What? You do n't like to see a traitor get hurt? I wonder why that is?
    JUDGE
    If you got something to say, say it.
    TYRONE
    Anything happens to Huey it ai n't gon na be a finger. I'll.
    GENE - eyes lit up with anger and fear - bursts in .
    GENE
    It's Cy. he's been shot.
    Bam ! Judge SNAPS pushing Tyrone away and bolting out the door . Tyrone follows .

EXT. 50TH STREET - NIGHT
    Cy WRITHES in agony on the pavement , in a pool of blood . Judge kneels down next to him , cradling him . Cy 's COUGHING , trying to talk .
    JUDGE
    Cy. Cy. Oh shit man. who did this to you. Was it the pigs?
    CY
    N. N. Not. Oh.
    Cy DIES right there in Judge 's arms . Something twists in Judge 's heart , the struggle has just become very personal .

INT. JUDGE AND CY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    His shirt covered with his dead friend 's blood , Judge sits at the table , destroyed .
    JUDGE
    Motherfuckers.
    Judge grabs the phone , punching out a number .
    BRIMMER
    Inspector Brimmer
    JUDGE
    Yeah, it's me.
    BRIMMER
    Judge, hold on, is your phone safe?
    JUDGE
    Who fucking cares? You cops killed Cy. And before you bastards kill anyone else, I'll give you your fucking set up. That make you happy?!
    BRIMMER
    Judge, calm down.
    Judge grits his teeth .
    JUDGE
    I'm calm. I'm calm. You just shut the fuck up. And listen.

EXT. ROAD - DAY
    The PANTHER VAN heads down the road , sticking out like a sore thumb .

EXT. ROAD - DAY
    POV : Through the windshield of a police vehicle . The VAN crosses the screen right to left . Starting forward , the police car following at a safe distance .

INT. PANTHER VAN - DAY
    TYRONE 'S driving as Judge sits - preoccupied - in the passenger seat . Suspicion hovers between the two . GENE 's in back next to a load of NEWSPAPERS .
    TYRONE
    ( eyeing Judge . )
    What's up with you?
    JUDGE
    Nothing.
    TYRONE
    You got something on your mind. `` brother.''
    JUDGE
    Yeah, `` brother'' My best friend is stone dead.
    The words cool Tyrone off a bit .
    TYRONE
    Sorry man.
    JUDGE
    S'alright. I'm sorry too. Shit, I got ta take a leak. Pull over at that gas station.

EXT. GAS STATION - DAY
    The VAN pulls into the TINY station . Judge 's hops out heading inside .

EXT. BRIMMER'S CAR - DAY
    BRIMMER watches the scene through BINOCULARS . He hisses into a WALKIE TALKIE .
    BRIMMER
    It's going down. Right on time.

INT. GAS STATION - DAY
    An OLDER MAN sits placidly behind the counter as Judge enters , the door ringing a BELL .
    OLDER MAN
    If you want gas my nephew.
    TYRONE
    ( interrupting . )
    Where's your bathroom.
    OLDER MAN
    Out back.
    Judge stands , stock still , sweating . The Man cocks his head , strangely . Adrenaline raging , Judge PULLS a GUN .
    JUDGE
    Open the god damn register!

INT. PANTHER VAN - DAY
    Impatient Tyrone drums his fingers on the dash .
    TYRONE
    How long can a piss take?
    Gene SHRUGS .
    GENE
    Hey. I got one for ya. Two brothers are taking a leak off the Bay Bridge. First one says, `` Damn, this water's cold.'' Other one just smiles and goes, `` Yeah and deep too.''
    Tyrone CHUCKLES , suddenly his face DROPS .
    TYRONE
    What the fuck?

EXT. GAS STATION - DAY
    SIRENS LIGHTS . Half a dozen POLICE CARS swoop down on the filling station . Fast , like storm troopers , the cops pull TYRONE and GENE from the van , roughing them up .
    BRIMMER
    ( pushing through . )
    Watch the faces Goddamit! We want them recognizable.
    Tyrone SHOVES a cop away from him . Brimmer DRAWS his .38 , training it calmly between Tyrone 's eyes .
    BRIMMER
    Easy boy. Or I will blow you right away.
    TYRONE
    ( putting up his hands . )
    We have n't done nothing! Why do n't you fascist pigs stop harassing us?
    BRIMMER
    Harassment my ass, pal. You just stuck up this station. We got a witness.
    TYRONE
    What kind of bullshit.
    ROOKIE COP
    I'll go get the other one.
    BRIMMER
    No! Get the bastards cuffed, I got him.

EXT. BACK OF STATION - DAY
    Brimmer dashes around the corner . He bangs on the BATHROOM DOOR . Nothing . He puts his mouth to the door .
    BRIMMER
    ( hoarse whisper . )
    It's me Brimmer. Get the fuck out of here.
    Judge BOLTS out of the toilet . Brimmer FIRES over his head . Judge runs fast through the weeds , up the hill . THE ROOKIE COP sprints around the corner , AIMING at Judge . Brimmer BUMPS him . The shot fires wide . Judge DISAPPEARS over the hill .

EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
    REPORTERS swarm the steps . DORSETT , basking in the camera 's glow , smugly addresses them .
    DORSETT
    Today's arrest exposes the Black Panthers for what they truly are. common criminals. Yes, we have a group of the so called revolutionaries in custody right now. Caught red handed robbing a local business. And as soon as our witness gives us a positive identification, we'll file charges of armed robbery with intent to kill.
    NEWSMAN
    Sir. was anybody hurt?
    DORSETT
    ( turning back inside . )
    I have no further comment.

INT. DORSETT'S OFFICE - DAY
    Flushed with victory , Dorsett strides into his office . Pissed , Rodgers looks up from a TELETYPE .
    DORSETT
    I want it duly noted, that this operation was entirely under the auspices of the Oakland Police Department. The FBI does n't have a monopoly on agents infiltrating enemy organizations, my friend. As I've said before, Agent Rodgers, we have things under control in our city.
    RODGERS
    Are you finished?
    DORSETT
    No I'm not. I'd like to say, frankly and off the record, that I resent the Bureau's presence here. `` Advisory Basis'' or not. And, once we get these boys put away and the Panthers permanently discredited, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave us to take care of our own. Now I'm finished.
    Rodgers fixes Dorsett with a stony glare .

EXT. SEEDY STREET - NIGHT
    Fast , head down , JUDGE moves through Oakland 's skid row , heading for an ABANDONED GARAGE .

INT. LINE UP ROOM - DAY
    Actually the line up room is two chambers . Dorsett and Rodgers enter the smaller room . BRIMMER , haggard , smoking , beckons Dorsett to a corner . Rodgers sticks by the door . Brimmer WHISPERS to Dorsett , we ca n't hear the conversation but obviously The Chief does n't like it . In the FOREGROUND , THE MAN from the gas station stands in front of TWO WAY GLASS - A UNIFORM cop at his side . TYRONE AND GENE stand on the line up platform on the opposite side of the two way glass . Dorsett and Brimmer move to the man . We see now that he 's staring blankly at the Panthers .
    DORSETT
    Brimmer, what are you telling me?
    The uniform cop WAVES his hand in front of the man 's face .
    UNIFORMED COP
    He's blind chief. Could n't I.D. his own mother.
    BRIMMER
    ( sheepishly . )
    He just stands in for his nephew during lunch.
    Dorsett TURNS , locking eyes with Rodgers . Fixing Dorsett with a WITHERING GLARE , Rodgers walks out the door .

INT. ROSE'S GARAGE - DAY
    Rose 's place - the back of a chop shop - is a forest of BOTTLES and CAR SEATS . An OLD TV blares a NEWSCAST : `` Panthers Freed '' complete with a PHOTO of Tyrone and Gene .
    ROSE
    This cool the heat off you any?
    JUDGE
    I do n't know.
    ( rising . )
    But I'm sure I'll find out. Rose, you did me solid.
    Judge PULLS some BILLS from his pocket .
    ROSE
    Unh. Unh Man. I do n't take no money from friends that need help. Fuck no. What do you think I am a bum?
    JUDGE
    Not at all.
    ( gripping Rose 's hand . )
    I'll catch you later.
    Rose - something big on his mind - STOPS Judge at the door .
    ROSE
    Judge. I. I shoulda told you this before but. well. fuck.
    JUDGE
    What?
    ROSE
    It was Sabu killed Cy.
    JUDGE
    Where is he?
    ROSE
    Ai n't no one seen him.
    JUDGE
    Why did n't you tell me?
    ROSE
    Did n't want folks to think I was a snitch. You know?
    PAIN creases Judge 's face .
    JUDGE
    ( softly . )
    Yeah man. I know.

INT. PRINTING PLANT - DAY
    The Panthers are celebrating . TYRONE and the others release while the paper gets printed . BOB DYLAN 's `` Ballad of a Thin Man '' PLAYS . Huey , wine in one hand , grooves to the music
    HUEY
    ( to Tyrone . )
    Shit. check this out.
    SONG
    ( over . )
    . something is happening here.
    HUEY
    But you do n't know what it is Mr. Jones. See Dylan is hip. The part about the geeks getting the worst jobs, that's like us, man. Black folks always get given the lowest shit.
    TYRONE
    ( with purpose . )
    Yeah man, but where's Judge?
    HUEY
    ( pointedly . )
    You know I think Brother Judge needs our support right now, not our suspicion.
    ( picking up paper off the press . )
    This is beautiful man. Folks around here never read the truth like this before.
    TYRONE is just about to speak , when ELDRIDGE who 's been bustling around escorts Huey into a basket chair , replacing his wine glass and paper with a spear and rifle . Tyrone stares after them as ALMA comes over .
    HUEY
    El Rage what's with all the Zulu shit?
    ELRIDGE
    We can no longer let the white media control our image. We got ta let the people know what we are about ourselves.
    HUEY
    That's what our newspaper will do.
    ELDRIDGE
    But lots of our people do n't read, man. They need strong imagery to help them out.
    HUEY
    Yeah. then should n't this be all of us together.
    ELDRIDGE
    ( propping up a shield . )
    Trust me Huey, this picture will be worth a thousand words. Now have you given any thought to that Peace and Freedom Party thing. They really want to hook up with us. Do a rally together. Hell it'd broaden our base of visibility.
    HUEY
    Yeah, but aligning with white organizations. I'm not sure now's the time.
    ELDRIDGE
    The time, my friend, is what Sartre called, `` the moment the match is being put to the fuse.'' Question is, is the hand holding that match gon na be black or white.
    HUEY
    no full fledge alliance. But I think we should do a rally with them. Show that there's some common ground between Black and White. You all with that?
    ( everyone nods . )
    All right then Eldridge, set it up.

EXT. ANTI WAR DEMONSTRATION - DAY
    TITLE : OAKLAND INDUCTION CENTER OCTOBER 20 , 1967 By far this is the largest rally we 've seen . Police stand in RIOT FORMATION as a HUGE CROWD looks up to a podium near the center 's steps .
    CROWD
    Hell No! We wo n't go! Hell No! We wo n't go!
    HUEY , TYRONE , ALMA , ELDRIDGE and a contingent of Panthers hold precise formation at the side of the platform as AVAKIAN , a sandy haired young man finishes his speech .
    AVAKIAN
    Not long ago, we came to these steps to protest. We were four thousand then. Tonight we are ten thousand.
    A HUGE ROAR rises from the crowd .

EXT. JUDGE'S PLACE - DAY
    The ROAR continues over as Judge approaches his DOORWAY , a CAR glides to the curb . BRIMMER - eyes red - rimmed with hate - stares out . JUDGE BOLTS , running fast down an alleyway and turns the corner . Screeching tires , two uniformed cops in a SQUAD CAR blast out of nowhere , sealing the exit , weapons drawn . Brimmer PULLS UP on the curb . In seconds he 's got Judge face down on the hood , CUFFED . Brimmer SMACKS Judge 's head against the car .
    BRIMMER
    Thanks a lot Motherfucker, that blind man was real cute.
    Brimmer drags Judge toward an ALLEY .

EXT. ANTI WAR DEMONSTRATION - DAY
    AVAKIAN
    Ten thousand different voices. All unified, saying one thing. That you can not have an imperialistic war abroad and social peace at home. So with that unity, that purpose in mind. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the Minister of Defense of the Black Panther Party - Huey Newton.
    APPLAUSE .
    HUEY
    Thank you. The Black Panther Party is proud to be here tonight. Here in front of this monument to oppression both at home and abroad. Not far from here, Brother Bobby Seale is locked down.
    Shouts go up , `` Yeah Bobby ! '' `` Set the brother free ! ''

EXT. ALLEY - DAY
    Brimmer pushes Judge up against the wall .
    HUEY
    ( over . )
    A victim of the tyranny we feel here at home.

EXT. ANTI WAR DEMONSTRATION - DAY
    HUEY
    That same tyranny is at work many miles from here. In Vietnam. Black men are dying there, white men are dying there. Yellow men are dying there. We're told they're dying in the name of freedom.
    ( a beat . )
    Freedom. Well, now if their blood's keeping us free. How come so many of us - like Bobby - are in jail. If they're dying so we can enjoy our rights, how come the police still kill us in the streets?
    Angry YELLS rise , agreeing with Huey .

EXT. ALLEY - DAY
    Brimmer lays into Judge , hitting him in the gut . Defenseless , CUFFED , Judge takes each brutal punch .

EXT. ANTI-WAR DEMONSTRATION - DAY
    HUEY
    So, when you think about it. The question we have to ask is. Why should the Black man go fight the Yellow man for the White man? It's that simple. The answer's simple too.
    ( a beat . )
    We should n't!
    THE CROWD CHEERS

EXT. ALLEY - DAY
    CHEERS ringing out , Brimmer 's hands work for pain .

EXT. ANTI-WAR DEMONSTRATION - DAY
    HUEY
    The Black Panther Party is opposed to the war in Vietnam! We know our war is here. Against hard drugs in the community. Against unemployment. Against a system that beats a Black man in his home, then sends him to die in a foreign land. That my brothers and sisters, is our war.
    Ten thousand unite in THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE .

EXT. ALLEY - DAY
    Crumpled on the ground , Judge 's doubled up in pain . Brimmer UNCUFFS him and WALKS AWAY . Over , the APPLAUSE rises to a deafening pitch .

INT. HALLWAY - DAY
    Brimmer stalks down the hall , unhappy . FBI guys in suits are EVERYWHERE - pulling teletypes , on the phones . They 're like an occupying army .
    BRIMMER
    ( passing a doorway . )
    What the fuck?
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    Brimmer! Could you come in here please?

INT. OFFICE - DAY
    Rodgers has set himself up in a command center . Across from him DORSETT sits like a whipped dog .
    RODGERS
    Sit down, This concerns you too.
    ( pulls out a Black Panther newspaper . )
    I do n't need to say that your department's handling of the Black Panthers - particularly Inspector Brimmer's `` undercover operation'' has been a complete travesty.
    BRIMMER
    Just hold on a god damn minute. I.
    Ignoring Brimmer , Rodgers passes the PAPERS to Dorsett .
    RODGERS
    These are memos from the commissioner, the mayor and Hoover himself, putting the Black Panthers and their subversive activities under the full jurisdiction of the Bureau.
    DORSETT
    ( reading . )
    Jesus.
    RODGERS
    As far as Mr. Hoover is concerned the worst has happened, the Panthers have unified with other organizations - most likely sponsored by communists - to undermine the war in Vietnam.
    ( a beat . )
    By doing so, they have quite simply guaranteed their own extinction.
    Rodgers studies Dorsett and Brimmer 's incredulous faces .
    RODGERS
    Of course we welcome any cooperation the your department has to `` offer.''
    Jimi Hendrix 's `` Machine Gun '' plays as the cops move in for the kill .

EXT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
    A BOMB crashes through the window . Yells , Chaos , Then an EXPLOSION .

INT. SAN FRANCISCO PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Cops BATTER down a door , storming the place . They BURN papers , destroy FOOD for the breakfast program . It looks and feels like a modern day version of Kristalnacht .

EXT. OAKLAND PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    TYRONE and LITTLE BOBBY stand out front . A SQUAD CAR passes . White faces gaze stonily at Black . A cop points his finger like a GUN at the Panthers .

EXT. STREET - DAY
    Cops SLAP NEWSPAPERS from Gene 's hand , pushing him up against the wall .
    COP
    What's your name punk?
    GENE
    Five.
    COP
    What?!?!?
    GENE
    Five!

INT. HUEY'S VW - NIGHT
    Gene spins out his tale to HUEY . Jimi Hendrix plays in the background
    GENE
    And I keep saying `` Five'' like the fifth amendment you know? And shit this cop is getting pissed. But there ai n't much he can do. So. dig this, he gives me a ticket for littering, on account of the papers he ripped outta my hand.
    Huey notices `` cherry tops '' red glow in the rear view mirror .

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    TITLE : OAKLAND SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 , 1967 A SQUAD CAR sits , lights FLASHING , behind HUEY 'S VOLKSWAGEN . The belligerent BABY - FACED COP from the showdown on Grove Street - settles his flashlight beam on HUEY . GENE , sitting next to Huey , looks very nervous .
    BABY FACED COP
    Well, well, well, what do we have here, the great Huey P. Newton.
    ( a smile . )
    Get out of the car.
    Huey holds up his LAW BOOK .
    HUEY
    ( calmly and carefully . )
    California law does not require the driver to leave a vehicle, unless he is being placed under arrest.
    BABY FACED COP
    Well, then you're under arrest get out of the car.
    Baby Face pulls his REVOLVER .
    GENE
    Huey.
    Huey moves out of the car very , very slowly - his life depending on it .
    HUEY
    I am not resisting arrest. Nor am I armed. Any use of force on your part is illegal.
    ( holding up BOOK . )
    according to California.
    BABY FACED COP
    You can take that law book and shove it up your ass nigger.
    ANOTHER SQUAD CAR pulls up . A NERVOUS PATROLMAN gets out . His hand HOVERS over his pistol .
    NERVOUS COP
    Hey. whatcha got.
    Baby Face COCKS his .38 . Huey stiffens . TENSION .
    BABY FACED COP
    Buddy, we just got ourselves a promotion.
    There 's a SOUND , GENE 'S getting out of the car .
    BABY FACED COP
    You! Get the fuck back in.
    ( moves the gun . )

    GUNFIRE rings out . Hitting Huey in the gut . BABY FACE , also wounded , drops . The NERVOUS COP has freaked out and is shooting wildly . Bleeding HUEY crawls toward BABY FACE 'S GUN . He grabs it , turning it on the NERVOUS COP . MORE GUNFIRE . Chaos . Screaming . Splattered with BLOOD , THE LAW BOOK lies on the ground , bearing an inscription on the flyleaf : HUEY P. NEWTON .

INT. CORRIDOR - HOSPITAL - NIGHT
    Huey 's HANDCUFFED to a GURNEY , being wheeled fast through the hall . I.V. 's hang . Blood is everywhere . COPS hover malevolently over his spread - eagled form . Cops COVER HUEY 'S FACE with a towel , then start viciously BEATING HUEY . Doctors and Nurses look on impotently .

INT. PANTHER HQ - MORNING
    Tears streak Alma 's face . TYRONE , JUDGE and the other Panthers sit solemnly . NEWSPAPERS cover every surface blaring : COP SLAIN PANTHER LEADER WOUNDED IN SHOOT - OUT . In the background , Panthers put Huey 's WICKER CHAIR poster in the window . Eldridge 's got his ear glued to a PHONE .
    ELDRIDGE
    ( to the others . )
    The pigs are going for Murder one.
    TYRONE
    Right with Bobby getting out, they try to put Huey in the gas chamber. Damn.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    Please Huey stay alive

INT. ALAMEDA COUNTY JAIL - DAY
    In a MOS sequence , JACKSON a Black Trustee leads Bobby Seale - dressed in STREET CLOTHES - down the windy halls . Bobby holds a FILE of RELEASE PAPERS . Seale comes to the doorway of the INFIRMARY . HUEY lies there , beaten and bloody . The two men LOCK EYES , each raising a FIST in salute .

INT. AUDITORIUM - FREE HUEY MEETING - NIGHT
    Bobby enters . The auditorium is empty except for Cleaver , Tyrone , and Little Bobby .
    BOBBY SEALE
    ( shocked . )
    Where's everybody?
    TYRONE
    We had over a hundred people, just on the `` Free Huey'' Defense Committee alone until we chose a lawyer.
    CHARLES GARRY , a white man in a crumpled suit move across the gym floor towards them .
    BOBBY SEALE
    Can he free Huey?
    ELDRIDGE
    If anybody can, he's the man.
    Bobby Seale SHAKES Garry 's hand .
    BOBBY SEALE
    ( to the Panthers . )
    Brothers the struggle has begun. We need allies and we need'em fast. Eldridge?
    ELDRIDGE
    I'm on it.

EXT. STEPS - ALAMEDA COUNTY JAIL - DAY
    TITLE : JANUARY 10 , 1968 Panther FLAGS fly - now bearing the words `` FREE HUEY . '' A nonstop RALLY/VIGIL of Panthers and Black Folks covers the steps . WHITE FOLKS wear `` HONKIES FOR HUEY . '' buttons . Uniformed COPS stare out from the jail 's GLASS DOORS .
    CROWD
    Black is beautiful/FREE HUEY! / Set our warrior free/FREE HUEY! / Black is beautiful/FREE HUEY/Set our warrior free.
    Bobby Seale stands next to Eldridge and other BLACK ACTIVISTS near a microphone . A very intense , wiry man in sunglasses approaches the mike - STOKELY CARMICHAEL . Carmichael 's speaking style is unique , his slow low - key drawl underscoring the incendiary nature of the words .
    CARMICHAEL
    We say that Huey P. Newton is a prisoner of war. Many people say that that's not true. Or that the Party is exaggerating. I think it's clear, it's crystal clear that the United States has declared war on Black people. She did that when she took the first black man from Africa.
    The Crowd ROARS in approval , raising Black FISTS .
    CARMICHAEL
    Now of course, she never came out and said the words, `` I declare war on Black people. She did not do that. Well now, the United States to this day has not declared war on Vietnam, but there is Vietnam. They did not declare war on North Korea but they fought in North Korea. And they did not declare war against the Indians. They just wiped them out.
    MORE applause , even non - Panthers pick up on the message .
    CARMICHAEL
    So we must define our position. We are at war. Huey P. Newton, Minister of Defense, is our leader. He is in jail. He is a prisoner of war. We must get him by any means necessary. If we can not get him, we must, we must retaliate. Period.
    CHEERS , a CALL rises from the crowd - plain in it 's message : `` Free Huey . '' Over and over again . `` Free Huey . ''

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    A bee hive of activity , Bobby mans the phone . Tyrone , Alma and Judge open a BOX - containing FREE HUEY BUTTONS .
    ELDRIDGE
    Man, we ca n't make enough of these things. We got movie stars calling up, asking how they can help. I tell you sister it's nation time.
    ALMA
    Yeah I wish we did n't need no pins. Wish Huey was here right now.
    JUDGE
    ( softly . )
    Me too.
    Tyrone fixes Judge with an INQUISITIVE STARE .
    TYRONE
    You sure about that. brother?
    At the door LITTLE BOBBY - amazed - YELLS to the others .
    LITTLE BOBBY
    Brothers! Sisters! Come here. This, you got ta see.

EXT. PANTHER OFFICE - DAY
    A GOOD SIZED NEIGHBORHOOD group caries FOOD inside . OLDER MEN , kids , BOBBY HUTTON 'S MOM . In the front walks RITA . Judge pushes to the front , his jaw drops . He exchanges a probing LOOK with his mom .
    RITA
    You all been working so much. you know. Me and some others thought you might be missing the home cooking.
    MRS. HUTTON taps a finger to his `` Free Huey '' button .
    MRS. HUTTON
    Hey. you got any more of those.
    LAUGHTER rises as the Panthers usher their folks in .

INT. RODGERS OFFICE - DAY
    Rodgers , obviously getting an earful over the phone , splutters excuses and explanations .
    RODGERS
    Granted, the Free Huey thing has become a bit of a rallying cry for the left.
    HOOVER
    ( over . )
    Rallying cry, it's an insurrection. Seale, that god damned Cleaver, Where the hell do these guys come from?
    RODGERS
    Well. like they say, there's a Panther born every minute in the ghetto. Uh. we seem to have `` underestimated'' the support of the Black community. It's their power base.

INT. HOOVER'S OFFICE - DAY
    Hoover takes a couple moments before saying his next words .
    HOOVER
    Well, then we're going to take that power away from those bastards.
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    You mean.
    HOOVER
    Yes, that's exactly what I mean. And Agent Rodgers? This conversation never occurred.
    Hoover HANGS UP .

EXT. FISHING BOAT - DAY
    MEN wander the decks as RODGERS and DORSETT stare off the bow at the Bay . TONY keep an eye on them from a distance .
    DORSETT
    Rodgers. this is no good.
    RODGERS
    Cut the crap, you've been taking the man's money for years. Now it's time you earned it.
    A booming VOICE grabs their attention .
    TRAFFICANTE
    ( over . )
    Gentlemen! Forgive me for keeping you.
    An immaculately dressed man - LOUIS TRAFFICANTE - steps out . Smooth as silk , his every movement spells Mafia .
    TRAFFICANTE
    Odd is n't it Chief Dorsett? No matter how much we try to deny it, we find ourselves on the same side of the coin. It's almost funny.
    Trafficante settles easily into a deck chair . Dorsett 's looking mildly indignant .
    DORSETT
    To be quite honest it turns my stomach.
    RODGERS
    Neither your stomach or your opinion matters here Dorsett. What matters is that Mr. Trafficante and the Bureau have come up with a solution to our Panther Problem. One might say. The Final Solution.
    TRAFFICANTE
    Well put. As you and Agent Rodgers know, my organization has moved into narcotics. It was decided that this product would be confined to the ghettos. However, you and your police department has made operations in Oakland impossible. I take delivery of shipments and they sit. I - and my associates - lose money. Vast sums of money. Now, you have some very large problems with the Black community.
    RODGERS
    More like a revolution. West Oakland's turning into hostile territory.
    TRAFFICANTE
    I assure you the pacifying properties of Heroin are quite remarkable. See, junkie's politics are different from yours and mine. For them the only Party's the next fix.
    DORSETT
    Dealing dope. And you want the department to turn a blind eye while you turn Oakland into a city of zombies.
    TRAFFICANTE
    Not the entire city, just one troublesome part.
    DORSETT
    And what if it spreads to the rest of the population?
    TRAFFICANTE
    Relax, Chief. That will never happen. I got ta little gypsy in me. Soon the moolies gon na be too busy - we'll sell'em a few guns too - blowing each others brains out over the stuff to be fucking with protests. Now I've got the product. What I need is a center of operation and someone to oversee the movement of the product. Not one of my people but a native, someone inside the community.
    RODGERS
    I do n't think that will be any problem.
    DORSETT
    You talk as if this thing's already been decided.
    Rodgers hits Dorsett with a piercing GLARE .
    RODGERS
    It has.

INT. RITA'S APARTMENT - DAY
    JUDGE and LITTLE BOBBY sit , finishing dinner as Rita bustles around clearing DISHES , being a mom . In the background , the TV plays , its sound turned down .
    RITA
    Glad to see you boys eat like that. No wonder either you're both looking like scarecrows. Do n't sleep, do n't eat, ai n't no way to live.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    It's good to be skinny, easier to run from fat cops.
    ( his eye catching the TV . )
    Hey what's that?
    Casually , everyone glances at the television . HORROR hit RITA 'S face .
    RITA
    Oh no. Dr. King.
    CLOSE UP : TELEVISION - KING ASSASSINATION FOOTAGE : The balcony . Abernathy , Young , Jackson POINT to where the shots came from as Dr. King bleeds on the cement .

INT. RITA'S BROWNSTONE - DAY
    Everyone stares at the television . Rita has dropped a BOWL on the floor . Little Bobby 's face is covered with TEARS .
    RITA
    Oh lord, please god no. No.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    They killed him. He never hurt nobody. They killed him.
    FOOTAGE : America EXPLODES into riot .

EXT. MARKET STREET - DAY
    The Panthers trot over to where THREE YOUNG MEN face a SMALL GROCERY . One 's holding a GAS CAN .
    YOUNG MAN
    That's right burn the mother down.
    REVEREND SLOCUM steps from the shadows .
    SLOCUM
    Hold on there, exactly what are you boys doing?
    YOUNG MAN
    Sending a message. They shoot Dr. King. we burn them.
    SLOCUM
    What good's burning our neighborhood down.
    YOUNG MAN #2
    Fuck you.
    It gets TENSE . Then a voice come from a SIDE STREET .
    VOICE
    Brother. you best clean out your head, or we will do it for you.
    Turning , the young man spots a CADRE of Panthers - Tyrone , Alma , and Little Bobby moving toward them .
    TYRONE
    Reverend's right, you burn the neighborhood, you're just doing the pig's work for him. And we sure as hell ai n't gon na stand for that. Dig?
    Eyeing the deadly serious Panthers , the men back down .
    YOUNG MAN
    I dig. But how we gon na let'em know we ai n't gon na take this shit.
    ALMA
    You know where Black Panther headquarters is? You come on down there, speak your mind, listen. Organize.
    YOUNG MAN
    I do n't know.
    TYRONE
    ( grabbing the can . )
    Later for that. be there.
    Rev. Slocum gazes at the Panthers with new respect as they head off into the night .

INT. PANTHER HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
    Tense , angry , the PANTHERS meets . Flanked by two PANTHER BODYGUARDS , ELDRIDGE speaks pure rage .
    ELDRIDGE
    No more words! No more god damn words! No more sitting, no more praying for the pig to stop killing us. Later for lying down. Later for waiting to get shot like dogs. Nonviolence has died in Memphis, died with Dr. King. We must retaliate. We've got the fucking guns, it's time to use them.
    BODYGUARD
    Off the pig man. Off the god damn pig.
    Bobby Seale - his eyes steely - INTERRUPTS .
    BOBBY
    Brother Eldridge. I hear you. But I disagree. And we both know Huey disagrees too. Yeah, we got the guns, but the Pigs got more. The Pig has got the National Guard. I'm not afraid to fight. But we are n't stupid either. We got to be smart, not angry.
    ELDRIDGE
    Later for that.
    TYRONE
    ( pissed . )
    No man. later for you! What? We gon na forget Huey and his trial? Start killing pigs, start the revolution now. With our leader in jail? We do that and Huey's a dead man. We're all dead. No man, we stay cool.
    ELDRIDGE
    What? You giving me orders now?
    TYRONE
    Just telling you what it is.
    ELDRIDGE
    Fuck that. It's time to intensify the struggle. That is what it is.
    Indignant , Eldridge storms out - his guards follow .
    BOBBY
    ( watching them leave . )
    Fuck.

INT. VISITING ROOM - DAY
    Bobby Seale - haggard , concerned - faces HUEY under the watchful eye of a GUARD .
    HUEY
    You got to sit on Eldridge.
    BOBBY
    Man, El - Rage is El - Rage. You know him.
    HUEY
    Yeah, I do, but he's got ta cool it.

EXT. STREET - OAKLAND - NIGHT
    TITLE : OAKLAND CALIFORNIA APRIL 6 , 1968 SMALL HOUSES sit quietly on this tree lined street , as . Car full of cops screeches into frame blasting ELDRIDGE fires back . A couple of other Panthers scatter as Eldridge pulls LITTLE BOBBY towards a house for safety .
    ELDRIDGE
    C'mon.

EXT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
    ELDRIDGE tumbles down STAIRS , LITTLE BOBBY right behind him . They hunker down in the basement , sweating . Eldridge checks his legs - BLOOD soaks his pants .

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
    HALF A DOZEN police cars screech to a stop in front of the house . Cops POP up , armed to the teeth .

INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
    BULLETS tear through the room as Eldridge and Little Bobby hit the deck . It 's a ferocious volley of fire , hundreds of shells pouring through the thin walls .

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
    For a second the GUNFIRE STOPS . A SERGEANT makes a motion to his men . TEAR GAS rifles appear . The COPS fire gas canisters THROUGH the basement walls .

INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
    Smoke chokes the room , as Little Bobby and Eldridge , blinded hacking , crawl along the floor .
    LITTLE BOBBY
    Papa E, we got to get out of here.
    Eldridge THINKS for a second .
    ELDRIDGE
    Take off your clothes.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    What?
    ELDRIDGE
    ( undressing . )
    Take'em off. Pigs ai n't gon na shoot an unarmed, naked man. Where they gon na say you hid a gun.
    LITTLE BOBBY
    No man I ca n't.
    ELDRIDGE
    Later for that. Just do it.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
    HANDS UP , Eldridge and Little Bobby emerge from the house . Eldridge 's NAKED , Little Bobby 's fully CLOTHED . Cops descend on them , grabbing them .
    COP#1
    ( pointing to a car . )
    Go on, get in that car fuckers, and do n't try nothing.
    Moving very slowly , Eldridge heads for the car .
    ELDRIDGE
    I am not resisting arrest!
    Suddenly , a COP SHOVES Little Bobby forward . He stumbles a bit , out in the open , EXPOSED . A VOLLEY of SHOTS rips through Little Bobby . Tearing him up , KILLING him in moments .

EXT. POLICE CAR - NIGHT
    Next to the car , Eldridge stares horrified at Little Bobby 's ruined body . A SERGEANT stands nearby . A COP approaches the Sergeant holding a .22 PISTOL .
    COP
    He was going for this.
    ELDRIDGE
    ( disgusted . )
    Motherfuckers.
    Wham ! The Sergeant PISTOL WHIPS Eldridge into unconsciousness The SCREEN goes BLACK .

EXT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Opposite the HUEY poster , a new IMAGE hangs - LITTLE BOBBY 's picture . A memorial to a Panther 's martyr .

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
    A SMALL CASKET lowers into the ground . Panthers pay their respects . The CROWD with JUDGE , ALMA , TYRONE , RITA , AND REV. SLOCUM disperses .
    ALMA
    Little Bobby. Just a kid.
    TYRONE
    ( somber . )
    They're hurting us, baby. Huey locked up. Bobby Seale running all over the country holding things together. Cy dead. Little Bobby. I do n't recognize half the faces at meetings.
    Tyrone 's eyes JUDGE suspiciously .
    TYRONE
    ` Cept him.
    Strain showing on his face , BOBBY SEALE heads over .
    BOBBY
    Look. I got ta get on a plane tonight. Huey's trial's starting. I need you to make sure there's a strong Panther Presence there.
    TYRONE
    What about Cleaver? You got him out on bail, did n't you?
    BOBBY
    Yeah. but well, things are too hot. Eldridge and Kathleen.

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
    Tyrone watches from the window of ELDRIDGE 'S PLYMOUTH as Eldridge and Kathleen climb out of the car and into the back of an old pickup truck .
    BOBBY
    ( over . )
    . they're gon na disappear.
    FOOTAGE : NEWSPAPER JULY 15 , 1968 The headline reads : NEWTON TRIAL BEGINS .

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    An absolute MADHOUSE of activity , Alma , Judge and Tyrone juggle phones , fill boxes with pins . Everywhere the words : FREE HUEY can be seen .

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Rodgers and Dorsett sit facing TWO BLACK MEN , one is named SHORTY , the other we can not see . Dorsett looks ill . He pops a TUMS . BRIMMER 'S there too , looking very unhappy .
    RODGERS
    So you enjoy your little `` vacation?''
    VOICE
    I tell you, Vegas do n't have much flavor. But it was alright. Good to get back to the neighborhood though.
    RODGERS
    That's what we wanted to talk to you about. We have a proposition for you. One that will make you the most powerful man in West Oakland.
    The CAMERA MOVES . We see the man Rodgers is talking to - SABU .
    SABU
    ( smiling . )
    I'm all ears.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BAY - DUSK
    SUNSET paints the water peaceful colors a night falls .

INT. JUDGE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    It 's late as Judge lays on his bed , staring at the ceiling , tortured . BOOM ! Judges door flies off its hinges . BRIMMER storms in - mean , drunk . He 's on Judge in a second - handcuffing him .
    JUDGE
    Hey. what the hell you doing?
    BRIMMER
    Shut up. Just shut the fuck up.

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - NIGHT
    BRIMMER 'S CAR pulls onto the bridge .

INT. BRIMMER'S CAR - NIGHT
    Apprehensive , Judge eyes Brimmer from the back seat .
    JUDGE
    Brimmer what's with you man?
    Stone silent , Brimmer takes a deep swig from a PINT BOTTLE .

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - NIGHT
    Brimmer 's car approaches the center of the Bridge , then KEEPS GOING .

INT. BRIMMER'S CAR - NIGHT
    Judge stares at Brimmer 's back , relieved , confused .
    BRIMMER
    ( mumbling , loaded . )
    Twenty years asshole. Twenty years on the force. I've seen some fucked up stuff. Done some fucked up stuff.
    ( a beat . )
    But nothing like this.

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - NIGHT
    Brimmer 's car pulls over on the shoulder past the toll booth . He yanks Judge out of the car . Then UNCUFFS him .
    BRIMMER
    Go! Run! Go on! Get the fuck out of here!
    JUDGE
    What? So you can shoot me? Call it resisting arrest?
    BRIMMER
    I ai n't gon na shoot you Judge. Look. it's over. Just run away. Get out. Stay away from Oakland. Cause it's gone. it's gone.
    JUDGE
    Brimmer you're fucked up.
    BRIMMER
    Yeah. I'm fucked up. You're fucked up. Government's fucked up. Whole country's fucked up. You got no idea what's going on here. This is bigger than you and me. We're just little tiny soldiers getting moved around on some big asshole's desk. The Panthers. fuck you're history. they killed you and you do n't even know it.
    JUDGE
    Who's they?
    BRIMMER
    ( rambling on getting into his car . )
    Drugs Judge, they're gon na flood West Oakland with dope. Jack you up and string you out like a two dollar whore. And while the community's shuffling for a fix, they're gon na snuff every Panther they can find.
    JUDGE
    Who? I mean besides the FBI?
    BRIMMER
    I do n't know. Except, it's one of you. Maybe not a Panther, but it's someone from the neighborhood. Judge. Look, just go. Get away. It's over. You lost.
    ( a beat . )
    We all lost.
    Brimmer 's car lumbers away , kicking up gravel . Judge - thinking furiously - stares after it . THE BRIDGE looms up in the background , dwarfing Judge .
    JUDGE
    Fuck that. Ai n't nothing over.

EXT. BAY BRIDGE - DAWN
    Judge WALKS across the bridge heading BACK to Oakland .

EXT. JUDGE'S PLACE - DAY
    Judge , weary approaches his building . He spins , startled , as something moves in the alleyway . A voice calls out .
    VOICE
    ( O.S . )
    Judge.
    Judge moves into the alley , eyes adjusting to the darkness .
    JUDGE
    Rose?
    ROSE
    ( scared .
    whispering . )
    Yeah. Look man, what I got ta say. It's just you, me and the rats, right? Alright. well. Sabu's back.
    JUDGE
    Motherfuck. well then I got something to do.
    ROSE
    No. wait, there's something else, something weird. I hear he's set up down at that warehouse on fifty deuce. He's talking big and living bigger.
    REALIZATION dawns on Judge .
    JUDGE
    God damn it's him. I got ta go.
    ROSE
    Judge man. Watch yourself. Sabu's got juice now.
    JUDGE
    You do n't even know it man, but you're a god damn hero.
    Judge bolts out the alley . ROSE stares after him .

INT. VISITING ROOM - JAIL - DAY
    MOS : Judge and HUEY TALK EARNESTLY through a GLASS PARTITION .

EXT. STEPS - ALAMEDA COUNTY COURTHOUSE - DAY
    Alma and Tyrone stand at the front of a huge CROWD standing vigil for HUEY 'S trial .
    CROWD
    No more brothers in jail Off the Pig! The pigs are gon na catch hell Off the Pig! Revolution has come Off the Pig! Time to pick up the gun Off the Pig!

INT. COURTROOM - DAY
    NEWSMEN cover every available seat , frantically writing notes as THE PROSECUTOR finishes examining THE WOUNDED POLICE OFFICER from the shoot - out . CHARLES GARRY , Huey 's lawyer , a WHITE MAN in a rumpled suit , sits next to Huey , with a STRANGE smile on his face .
    PROSECUTOR
    Now you say that it was Huey Newton that opened fire without any provocation What makes you so sure? It was a dark night, there was a lot of confusion.
    WOUNDED COP
    Well, sir I was there.
    PROSECUTOR
    That's right you were.
    ( to the Jury . )
    He was there. He saw everything. And he is not on trial. He does not need to lie to save his life.
    ( to Garry . )
    Your witness.
    GARRY
    Thank you.
    ( to the Judge . )
    If it would please the court, I would like to introduce testimony of a new witness. One who is not on trial for his life and. one who was there also. I call Gene McKinney to the stand.
    A MURMUR ripples through the court as Gene McKinney takes the stand . The Prosecutor goes red with rage .
    PROSECUTOR
    Objection, who is this man?
    GARRY
    This is an eyewitness to the shooting. The passenger in Huey Newton's car.
    JUDGE
    Overruled Mr. Garry you may examine your witness.
    GARRY
    Mr. McKinney, were you a passenger in the car on the night of October 28, 1967.
    GENE
    Yes sir I was.
    GARRY
    And did you witness the shoot - out?
    GENE
    Yes sir, I did.
    GARRY
    From what you saw, did Huey Newton start the shooting?
    GENE
    No sir he did n't.
    More MURMURING , the Prosecutor looks dumbfounded .
    GARRY
    Huh, well then.
    ( a pause . )
    did someone else start shooting?
    GENE
    I refuse to answer the question on the grounds it might incriminate me.
    The COURTROOM EXPLODES in shock and amazement .
    GARRY
    Did you shoot the officers in question?
    GENE
    Again I'll take the fifth amendment on that question.
    MAYHEM , the Prosecutor begins yelling . The Judge bangs his gavel , and the jury looks very confused .

INT. PANTHER HQ - DAY
    Excited , ALMA slams down a PHONE . Every set of Panther eyes is on her .
    ALMA
    That was Garry.
    ( smiling . )
    He says they're gon na come back with manslaughter.
    YOUNG PANTHER
    What's that mean?
    TYRONE
    It means youngblood, Huey's out in less than two years. He ai n't gon na get the chair. He might not be free yet, but brothers and sisters he is not going to die.
    A CHEER ripples through the room . Alma HUGS Tyrone .
    TYRONE
    I got ta call Bobby.
    Tyrone reaches for the PHONE , it RINGS before he can pick it up .
    TYRONE
    Black Panther Party.
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    Congratulations asshole. Huey got off, but we just got your boy Bobby Seale.

EXT. HIGHWAY KIDNAPPING (BLACK/WHITE) - DAY
    POLICE CARS on a highway force a PANTHER wedding caravan off the road . Guns drawn , cops rip SEALE from the car , dragging him on his back toward an UNMARKED CAR .
    TYRONE
    ( over . )
    Who the fuck is this?
    RODGERS
    ( over . )
    The tooth fairy. And I got a present for you. Guy who helped us get Bobby His name's Judge.

INT. PANTHER H.Q. - DAY
    Click , the line goes dead . Tyrone smacks the phone into it 's cradle . GRIM - FACED , Tyrone looks to ALMA .

INT. ROSE'S - NIGHT
    Something moves outside , Rose turns dropping his wine . It 's Sabu and Shorty . Sabu fires . killing Rose and his dog .

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Judge moves into the dark , senses on alert . Something 's wrong . Suddenly he 's attacked . He flips his assailant as the light snap on . Tyrone has Judge in a choke hold , Alma has him at gun point .
    JUDGE
    Fuck is up?!
    TYRONE
    Mothafucker! You just set Bobby Seale up to be kidnapped. They dragged him off to some bullshit conspiracy trial in Chicago. How much the pigs pay you for this one, Judge?
    ( pulling out his gun and cocking it . )

    Judge 's HAND flies out , grabbing ahold of Tyrone 's GUN HAND . Neither moving a muscle , Judge STARES at Tyrone .
    JUDGE
    You got it wrong.
    Alma , puts her 38 to Judge 's face .
    ALMA
    Let him go. And drop your piece.
    Outgunned , Judge obeys .

EXT. GROVE STREET - NIGHT
    TWO COP CARS move slowly toward Panther HQ .

INT. COP CAR - NIGHT
    An ANGRY COP lights a cigarette as his partner drives past Panther HQ .
    ANGRY COP
    Ca n't believe that rat bastard ai n't going to the chair. That Newton turd should be taken out and shot.
    Pointing to the WICKER POSTER , the driver SMILES .
    PARTNER
    How about a little target practice?

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Glaring at Judge , Tyrone 's finger TIGHTENS on the TRIGGER .
    JUDGE
    ( dead serious . )
    You better just kill me Tyrone. And when Huey gets out, when Oakland's just wall to wall junkies, you tell him you blew away the only chance we all got. I'm sure he'll be real happy about that.
    TYRONE
    What are you saying?
    JUDGE
    The pigs are gon na start flooding us with dope. Huey wants us to stop them.
    TYRONE
    Bullshit.
    ALMA
    Tyrone hold on.
    BLAM ! A shot from outside shatters the window . The trio dives for cover . Another SHOT wings ALMA .

EXT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Out front , FOUR COPS in two cars , FIRE on the OFFICE . Bullets rip into the POSTERS of HUEY and LITTLE BOBBY .

INT. PANTHER HQ - NIGHT
    Tyrone , gun still on Judge , huddles on the floor . Screeching tires can be heard outside , the COPS LEAVING .
    TYRONE
    Chickenshits? What you bring your buddies with you?
    JUDGE
    No man No! Tyrone listen. we got to move man, they got a warehouse.
    TYRONE
    Shut the fuck up!
    Alma APPEARS her left arm BLOODY .
    ALMA
    Tyrone.
    TYRONE
    Oh shit Alma. you're.
    ALMA
    I'm okay. listen to me.
    ( serious . )
    Let's go with Judge, check it out.
    TYRONE
    What?!? Do n't tell me you're buying this?
    A tense moment , Alma looks from Judge to Tyrone .
    ALMA
    Yeah, I believe him. And you do too.
    After a moment of thought , Tyrone RISES . Then he picks up JUDGE 's .45 . Alma GRABS her own GUN .
    TYRONE
    Alright, but no fucking around.

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    TWO BLACK THUGS stand on opposite sides of the warehouse doors , checking out the street .

INT. ELDRIDGE'S CAR - NIGHT
    TYRONE - in the passenger seat , a gun on Judge - stares at the warehouse from the car . Alma , her arm ROUGHLY BANDAGED sits in back .
    ALMA
    Those ai n't cops.
    TYRONE
    And they sure ai n't from the neighborhood. Figure Sabu's in there?
    JUDGE
    Yeah with a whole load of drugs. So, you trust me now?
    Tyrone takes his .38 off Judge , then COCKS Judge 's .45 and HANDS it to him
    TYRONE
    Brother, I ai n't got a choice.

INT. WAREHOUSE OFFICE - NIGHT
    SABU is talking quietly with TRAFFICANTE 's right hand man , TONY . SHORTY and THREE BURLY BLACK BODYGUARDS stand nearby . Suddenly Sabu hears and sound and pulls his gun .
    SHORTY
    Fuck was that?
    SABU
    Check the back.
    Suddenly gunfire rips out . Tony disappears as Shorty gets taken down . One of the THUGS nails Tyrone in the shoulder , Judge retaliates blasting him backwards .
    JUDGE
    ( helping Tyrone up . )
    You alright?
    TYRONE
    Not really. Gim me the keys for the trunk.
    ALMA moves shakily from the BACK SEAT .
    TYRONE
    ( to Alma . )
    Stay here, watch this door. Anybody besides me and Judge steps out kill them.
    Alma - ever the soldier - NODS .

INT. WAREHOUSE
    Warily , Judge and Tyrone step in . Tyrone 's BLEEDING heavily . Judge holds a GAS CAN . It 's quiet . Too quiet .
    TYRONE
    There it is.
    On a TABLE in the corner of the DARK warehouse sits BOXES , VIALS and a stack of GLASSINE BAGS - filled with POWDER .
    JUDGE
    ( handing the CAN over . )
    Shut the motherfucker down. I'll find Sabu.
    Tyrone moves to the table . A BULLET hits him in the leg . Another rips into Judge , dropping him to the floor .
    SABU
    ( over . )
    You just did.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Tyrone drops , his GAS CAN spilling out over the floor . Judge ROLLS - operating like a soldier - emptying the .45 into the BODYGUARD # 1 . Sabu and the other BODYGUARDS disappear into the SHADOWS . EJECTING the clip from the .45 and slams a fresh one in . He gets to his feet , LIMPING into the DARKNESS . A NOISE sounds , Judge WHIRLS firing , dropping BODYGUARD # 2 . Judge TURNS coming eye to eye with a .45 , held by a very HIGH SABU .
    SABU
    Drop the gun Panther man.
    Pistol pushed against Judge 's skull , Sabu moves around to Judge 's side . Judge DROPS the gun .
    SABU
    All your mighty militant bullshit, man you do n't know what fucking time it is do you? Dig it.
    ( holding up a bag of COCAINE . )
    this is power baby.
    JUDGE
    Sabu you sorry motherfucker.
    SABU
    Sorry? Not me not now. This is my time not yours. Black Panthers? Who the fuck are you. Promising everything to everyone. Well fuck that. I got mine. Now y' all get yours. brother.
    Sabu COCKS the gun . Judge SPINS , batting Sabu 's gun hand away .
    JUDGE
    You ai n't my fucking brother!
    BULLETS tear through Sabu as TYRONE fires from the ground .
    TYRONE
    Damn straight.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Judge and Tyrone help each other up . From BEHIND a CRATE , the SECOND BODYGUARD bolts toward the DOOR . GUNFIRE blares out , blasting the BODYGUARD across the room . ALMA appears in the doorway .
    TYRONE
    Alma I told you to.
    ALMA
    ( icy calm . )
    Fuck that, we've got company.

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    POLICE CARS pull up in front . Armed to the teeth with RIOT GUNS , half a dozen COPS take up position behind the cars .

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Alma - hidden in the shadows - watches the windows . Behind her . Tyrone - BADLY HURT - leans against the wall next to her . Behind them Judge finishes pouring out the GAS CAN .
    ALMA
    Judge. hurry!
    Throwing that can away , Judge SMILES at Tyrone .
    JUDGE
    Hey, brother you got a match?
    GUN SHOTS rip through the walls as the cops OPEN FIRE .

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Riot Guns pour lead into the building a la the Fred Hampton massacre . Today , the police are taking no prisoners . Behind the POLICE , RODGERS watches the mayhem , SHAKING his head . Whatever the outcome , the operation 's OVER . Alone , he WALKS back to his car .

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    Tyrone CRAWLS across the floor , leaving a trail of BLOOD , toward Judge and Alma .
    JUDGE
    Motherfuckers.
    TYRONE
    ( hurt bad . )
    Look. You. take her and get the hell out of here. I'll keep'em busy.
    ALMA
    No.
    TYRONE
    ( to Judge . )
    You got ta. You got ta stay alive. You know what they were trying to do here. You got the pigs dead to rights. It's like Huey said, you're more important than any of us.
    JUDGE
    We'll all get out of here together.
    TYRONE
    Later for that. I'm done either way.
    Another BARRAGE of bullets rips through the walls . One GRAZES Tyrone 's ARM . His GUN slides across the floor . The PISTOL settles ominously in front of Alma . She looks over it at Tyrone . Their eyes LOCK .
    TYRONE
    Go.
    Click ! Clack ! Faster than a thought , Alma checks , clears and COCKS the pistol . She HANDS it to Tyrone . Tragic understanding flows between them . Grabbing the pistol , Tyrone SCOOTS across the floor .
    ALMA
    Tyrone!
    Near the door , Tyrone turns to Judge and raises his fist .
    TYRONE
    Power to the people.

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
    FLAMES leaping up behind him , TYRONE , pure defiance , steps out and FACES the cops . The IMAGE FREEZES . GUNFIRE cuts through the air . The moment is frozen , in time , in history , in legend . Slowly , the IMAGE dissolves . Fading into .

EXT. PANTHER HEADQUARTERS
    SUPERIMPOSED over the WAREHOUSE FLAMES , the bullet - riddled posters of HUEY and LITTLE BOBBY stare out , like a legacy . or a warning .

EXT. CLOSE-UP: SIDEWALK - DAY
    CONCRETE , cracked and dirty , fills the frame . A SMALL FOOT steps onto the pavement .

EXT. 55TH AND MARKET - DAY
    A STOPLIGHT hangs at the once deadly intersection . SCHOOL KIDS wait at the corner . The light CHANGES and they step safely into the street .
    JUDGE
    ( over . )
    The community got the streetlight. finally. But the way I see it.
    THE SCREEN GOES BLACK . A TITLE APPEARS IN 1970 THERE WERE 300,000 ADDICTS IN THE U.S. YESTERDAY , THERE WERE 3 MILLION .
    JUDGE
    ( over . )
    The struggle continues.
    THE END

Summary: The film focuses on the rise and decline of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, known as the Black Panthers, during the era of Black Power and disenchantment with passive resistance as a tool in the civil rights movement. It explores the FBI's COINTELPRO program, which was a farflung effort to track and disrupt African-American political movements. The drama alleges that various Mob networks cooperated directly with U.S. intelligence (FBI/CIA) agency representatives to "flood" inner-city ghettos, which contained majority black populations, with hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The ending's structure and concluding voice-over alleges that The Mob (possibly Italian) in the United States agreed to produce and distribute quantities of these types of drugs on an unprecedentedly large scale. Purportedly, only agreed-upon "problem areas" of Black Panthers' potential support would be targeted, so as to "pacify" those populations. The movies further suggests that the huge quantities of drugs quickly spilled out of the "problem areas" and became the drug epidemic in the U.S. of the 1980s and 1990s. The final lines shown in the film's closing note that in the 1970s, there were hundreds of thousands of hard-drug addicts, a number that had increased to the "3 million" of "yesterday". It is dedicated to the Black Panther Party's main figures, the communities that supported them, and those who might continue the struggle today.