The Save The Hampton House initiative, an effort led by the late Chairman Fred Hampton’s son, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., and his mother, Akua Njeri, announced on April 20, 2022 that the application for the Hampton House to be formally recognized as a historical landmark was officially approved by the Maywood Village Board.
With this designation, Chairman Fred’s childhood home becomes a historic landmark and community center where visitors can learn about the legacy of the Black Panther Party and inspire future leaders in the movement.
OUR COMMUNITY SHOWED UP WITH OVER 5,000 SIGNATURES ON THE PETITION FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARK APPLICATION!
These signatures coupled with Rep. Rush’s Congressional Letter of Support were included in the official submission to the Maywood Landmarking Commission on March 3, 2022.
The Hampton House is a key part of Maywood’s history. Fred Hampton’s family moved to the house at 804 South 17th Avenue in 1958, when he was only ten years old. Hampton’s childhood experiences would later lay the groundwork for his extraordinary political leadership.
The same spirit of the Hampton House continues today, serving as a safe haven and community center.
With a “Feed ‘Em All” community garden and refrigerator; a warming center during cold winter months; a recording studio for weekly Free ‘Em All Radio broadcasts as well as a place where young people can write, compose, and produce music, and many other community resources, the Hampton House enables people to put into practice the Panthers’ spirit of self-determination.
“Striving to cement my father’s wishes into reality, I intensely call upon you to walk with us…not only in the footsteps but the Black Panther Party Paw steps in the joint struggle for self-determination. In the spirit of liberation… Stand with us… Show solidarity with us. Dare to Struggle with us! Save The Hampton House.” –Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., Black Panther Party Cubs.
Learn more:
- Childhood Home of Iconic Black Panther Party Leader Fred Hampton Gets Historical Landmark Status
- The short film “A Revolutionary Act,” developed by Participant, the visual artist Malakai and the Save the Hampton House Initiative, helped to paint the full picture of what it would mean for the community-at-large for The Hampton House to be officially registered as a historic landmark.
- Fred Hampton’s Childhood Home To Become Community Center To Preserve Black Panther’s Legacy — And Continue Party’s Work
- Save The Hampton House Official Website
- More about the raid that killed Black Panther leader Fred Hampton