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Frank Crichlow was frustrated. He watched the police officers file out of his restaurant – again. This was the 12th raid in one year!
They had called his restaurant a den of drugs – but never found ANY evidence to support that lie. Something had to be done!
Critchlow knew why they were targeting him. He was a Black community activist, and used his space to organize his people.
Darcus Howe, his employee, suggested that the British Black Panthers could help. They needed a big demonstration to get the police off their tail, after all!
On August 9, 1970, 150 protesters marched to local police stations – and were met with 500 police officers!
The officers swarmed them, pinning protestors to the ground. Frank, Darcus and seven others were arrested.
During their trial, the “Mangrove Nine” worked together to expose the British police system for their inherent racial discrimination and place legal pressure in court. And outside of the courthouse, the British Black Panthers were still protesting to gain mass support.
They were acquitted of all charges!
The Mangrove Nine and their community were diligent, focused, and worked together to overcome the state’s oppression. Their cooperation with one another should inspire us – our true power lies in working together as a unified front!