A Taste of Power

A Black Woman's Story

By: Elaine Brown

Narrated by: Elaine Brown

“A stunning picture of a Black woman’s coming of age in America. Put it on the shelf beside The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Elaine Brown assumed her role as the first and only female leader of the Black Panther Party with these words: “I have all the guns and all the money. I can withstand challenge from without and from within. Am I right, Comrade?” It was August 1974. From a small Oakland-based cell, the Panthers had grown to become a revolutionary national organization, mobilizing Black communities and white supporters across the country - but relentlessly targeted by the police and the FBI, and increasingly riven by violence and strife within. How Brown came to a position of power over this paramilitary, male-dominated organization, and what she did with that power, is a riveting, unsparing account of self-discovery.

Brown’s story begins with growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Philadelphia and attending a predominantly white school, where she first sensed what it meant to be Black, female, and poor in America. She describes her political awakening during the bohemian years of her adolescence, and her time as a foot soldier for the Panthers, who seemed to hold the promise of redemption. And she tells of her ascent into the upper echelons of Panther leadership: her tumultuous relationship with the charismatic Huey Newton, who would become her lover and her nemesis; her experience with the male power rituals that would sow the seeds of the party's demise; and the scars that she both suffered and inflicted in that era’s paradigm-shifting clashes of sex and power. Stunning, lyrical, and acute, this is the indelible testimony of a Black woman’s battle to define herself.

“A glowing achievement.” (Los Angeles Times)

“Honest, funny, subjective, unsparing, and passionate...A Taste of Power weaves autobiography and political history into a story that fascinates and illuminates.” (The Washington Post)

©1992 Elaine Brown (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Beautiful Story

Here’s another poignant example of living with purpose and meaning. Highly recommend for anyone curious about the righteous indignation of the Black Panthers.

ELAINE!!!!

Elaine kept me hooked! I found out so much about the Panther Party I had no idea about. I heard about the food programs, but I was led to believe that the Panthers were a group of men that led the charge and created change. Women worked in serving food and childcare. I laughed, I got teary but most importantly I wanted more.

Candid, Self-aware and Powerful

Elaine Brown has indeed lived a full and extraordinary life. May we all wish to live as many lives as she had.

What an amazing resilient woman!

Elaine Brown I salute you as a woman, activist, survivor and author. You got balls! Is there a sequel? I know you made it through because I met you a few years ago. Bless you for all that you've done.

Awesome insight into the Black Panthers from a woman’s perspective

This book was engrossing, educational, poignant and just plain fun to listen to. Elaine Brown does a great job of narrating.

Good read

Great book! A different view and perspective of the movement. You won't be disappointed.

Outstanding

I was captured the entire time. The insightful informative details give light to thoughts previously held about the Party. The influences, internal/ external conflicts both spoken and unspoken were deep. The abilities of the Party were deeper still. Having been an individual that benefited from programs similar to those initiated by the PARTY I'm stupefied. The narration was real and relative to the audience.
Always a fan of the Party until like Ns. Brown, I want. Thoroughly enjoyed the performance, content and insightful story. Had no idea soooo many lives were lost and stolen to create what was. Proof that #WOMEN get shit done!
Outstanding, simply and truly outstanding.

An indispensable read for all

One of the best memoirs ever written, narrated by a giant on our movements for liberation.

Powerful

This story of Elaine Brown’s life is something everyone should read and learn about. When you think of the Black Panther Party, you immediately think of Huey P. Newton. However, Ms. Brown played a tremendous role in how impactful the Black Panther Party was towards the black community. I learned a lot about her contributions and leadership in this Party and how connected they were in state and federal politics. Behind every male leader lies a strong woman and Elaine Brown was that strong black woman. Great story.

Amazing

Elaine Brown’s story is more than just a “black Panther book”. It’s a story of what it was like to also be a young black woman growing up at this time. She writes about the good and the bad. An unforgettable story.