PHOTO CREDITS: PAUL SEQUEIRA / THE CHICAGO READER

The February 12 release of Judas and the Black Messiah exposed millions of people to the story of Fred Hampton for the first time.

The Ryan Coogler-produced film starring Daniel Kaluuya opened to rave reviews. The movie drew in $2 million at the box office in its first weekend. The film’s success has notched at least one tangible positive result–turning Hampton’s childhood home into a community center and museum to preserve the Black Panther Party’s legacy.

Over the weekend, the Hampton House’s GoFundMe page surged past its donation goal of $350,000. The final number was reached after a widespread effort on social media led by Noname and more. The money will help bring the house on 804 South 17th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois up to code. Hampton’s relatives are seeking landmark status for the building to protect it from demolition.

Fred Hampton Jr. (who now serves as the chairman of the Black Panther Party Cubs) plans for the Hampton House to archive the Panthers’ history through a museum and political education programs. Members have already started a community garden to provide food for neighbors, a recording studio to run music programs and Hampton Jr.’s “Free ‘Em All Radio” broadcast.

“The revolutionary is never satisfied. We wish we could have gotten more political content in,” Hampton said of the on-screen portrayal of his father’s life, according to Okay Player.

Last Friday (February 12) Fred Hampton Jr. released the first episode of the Judas and the Black Messiah podcast.

Joined by the film’s actors, creative team, and members of the Party, the podcast’s first episode explores true stories behind the characters portrayed in the film. Future episodes will focus on more modern struggles, with conversations regarding incarceration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judas and the Black Messiah is now playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max (Threadcraft, 2021).

Reference: Threadcraft, T. (2021, February 16) The Fred Hampton House Will Officially Become A Community Center After Meeting GoFund Me Goal. Retrieved from https://www.okayplayer.com/culture/fred-hampton-home-donation-reached.html

*BlackThen.com writer and historian Victor Trammell edited and contributed to this report.