The First Monument explores the commission of a bust of Mr. Newton.

The First Monument PBS Short Film Festival

Premiered July 11, 2022
The First Monument

The First Monument explores the commission of a bust of Mr. Newton. Until 2021, there was not a single official monument erected for the legendary Black Panther Party. This finally changed when Fredrika Newton, the widow of former Minister of Defense Huey Newton, worked with the city of Oakland to commission a bust of Mr. Newton that now stands on the block where he was killed.

About the Program

PBS Short Film Festival

The PBS Short Film Festival elevates the reach and visibility of independent filmmakers from across the country. Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of films celebrating love, acceptance, family, strength, equality, friendship, loyalty and more have been presented under the festival’s banner. The 2023 festival features “Stories in bloom” which represents growing and changing narratives.

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