Cleaver, [Leroy] Eldridge

US author and militant black leader

imprisoned in Soledad Prison 1954-1957 for marijuana possession

imprisoned in San Quentin and Folsom Prisons 1958-1966 for rape and assault with intent to murder

during jail time, converted to Nation of Islam, but remained an adherent of Malcolm X following Malcolm X's split from main branch of Nation of Islam

assistant editor of "Ramparts" magazine 1966-1968

joined Black Panther Party 1967

Black Panther Party information minister 1967-1971

wrote essay collections "Soul on Ice" 1968, "Soul on Fire" 1978

charged with assault and attempted murder for role in shootout with police in Oakland 1968, remaining free on bail

Peace and Freedom Party presidential candidate 1968

before trial for assault and attempted murder charges was to begin, jumped bail and fled US 1968, living in exile in Cuba, Algeria, and France 1968-1975

led schism from main branch of Black Panther Party 1971

underwent religious conversion from Islam to Christianity

became disenchanted with socialism after first-hand visits to Communist countries, including North Korea and Soviet Union

returned to US and surrendered to FBI 1975, pleading guilty to assault charge and receiving sentence of 1,200 hours of community service, in exchange for dropping of attempted murder charge

opened clothing boutique in Hollywood 1978

founded Eldridge Cleaver Crusades evangelical organization 1979

independent candidate for US House from California 1984

• "I don't think you have to teach people how to be human. I think you have to teach them how to stop being inhumane."