Theatre

Written and directed by Nykieria Chaney, The Chairman explores the life and assassination of Black Party Chairman Fred Hampton. After being placed on the FBI's Key Agitator list for his ability to activate and mobilize the black community, Hampton’s death became the first truly high-profile case of police brutality in American history.  Not because it was the first to occur, but because new, lightweight, handheld cameras enabled filmmakers to expose the lies behind the Chicago Police Department’s official narrative.

 

Created in response to police brutality, the Black Panther Party quickly drew the eye of young activist Fred Hampton. The Chairman gives a glimpse into the charismatic leadership of Chairman Fred as he invigorated a poverty stricken community in the thick of the civil rights movement.

 

Through a series of rousing speeches and civil rights songs we witness the ultimate act of betrayal orchestrated by FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover  to prevent the formation of a cohesive Black movement in the United States.