13 Facts About Raymond Hewitt

Raymond "Masai" Hewitt was an American civil rights activist and one of the leaders of the Black Panther Party.

Previous to joining the Black Panther Party, Hewitt worked as a school teacher and had been a Marxist activist, working with a group called United Front, a socialist organization which taught self-defence to its members in the form of karate.

Raymond Hewitt joined the Black Panther Party in 1967 and was given the title of Minister of Education.

Raymond Hewitt was considered by the Panthers to have a strong understanding of political and Marxist theory.

Raymond Hewitt held a funeral in her hometown with an open casket that allowed reporters to see the infant's white skin, which disproved the rumors.

Raymond Hewitt contended she became so upset after reading the story, that she went into premature labor, which resulted in the death of her daughter.

Raymond Hewitt concluded claiming that he was not in truth, therefore, a member of the central committee, as were none of the rest.

Raymond Hewitt remained an activist for the rest of his life.

Raymond Hewitt worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Southern Africa Resource Center, the International Human Rights Coalition of Los Angeles, and the Philippine Support Committee.

Raymond Hewitt fathered one daughter with fellow Black Panther leader Elaine Brown.

Raymond Hewitt was married to activist Ester Soriano, with whom he had three sons.

On March 2,1988, Raymond Hewitt suffered a heart attack while he watched the Grammy Awards on television with his wife.

Raymond Hewitt was taken to Midway Hospital where he died a short time later.