August 4 1973

## Overview

During this time period race and politics seemed to be the forefront of the news and of almost every conversation. Included in this document are multiple categories which will help you to understand this time period a little bit better. Included are Politics, Overseas Issues, Police and Prisoners and Sports Highlights. Politics discusses important trials as well as the Watergate scandal and economic influences such as the Welfare Program. Overseas Issues breaks down aspects of what is going on in the military and economic side of those countries such as the massacre in Mozambique. Police and Prisoners covers the topic of police shootings especially that of New Orleans and what is happening in prisons around the country such as Oklahoma Prison riots. The Sports Highlights page covers famous names such as Hank Aaron and other records and players that were breaking the race barriers.

## Politics

### Front Cover

Pictured above is the front page of the August 1973 newspaper. This image is important because it is one of the only newspaper covers that has a white politician on it. Sam Ervin pictured on this cover is discussed more in depth below but in short he is one of the only White males to defend the Constitution and not feel the need to support his statements. This cover also included the story titles and the publication name of Black Panther. Another astonishing aspects is that the newspaper costed $0.25 cents in 1973 while in todays society a newspaper cost anywhere above $1.00 (Newspaper Costs).

### Sam Ervin

   Sam Ervin is a prominent person in the Senate at this time. Sam Ervin was a resident of North Caroline and left behind a son and a wife when he passed in 1985. (For more information on his life outside of career visit Sam Ervin). When it comes to Ervin's political career he was a democrat who opposed majority of civil rights and women's rights movements. He is known as the Country Lawyer because of what he fought for. He is also well known for his statements that have to do with defending the Constitution. Senator Ervin on the other hand, holds fast to the doctrine that "*all Americans are subject to the same law."* is something that his is known for saying when the Watergate tapes were trying to be hidden under executive privilege.

### Work For Welfare Program

The Work for Welfare Program is a program that was designed to have those on welfare work to earn and keep that stream of income. After the debate earlier this year as to whether or not this program is constitutional the program was upheld and those involved were expected to return to work and trainings. The reason for the debate about this program is because those who have to work in it are paid sub-minimum wages. To some people this contradicts the laws about civil liberties to others this program is a way for people to work for the money and benefits they were receiving and still are receiving. This program helped with the world economics more specifically in California since it allowed jobs to be filled and people to make enough money to keep a float and food on the table.

### Watergate and Impeachment

Another important aspect about politics during 1973 is that of the Watergate Scandal. The Watergate Scandal was a pivotal point in Nixon's presidency. In 1973 Sam Ervin led the trial and discussion in the court system about the Watergate Scandal. Nixon was known to have trust issues which is partially the reason that this scandal happened in the first place. Ultimately this led to his resignation in 1972.

### David Hillard

During this time David Hillard was in jail and the Black Panther party was fighting to get him released from jail. He was a leader of the Black Panther party and was placed in prison and denied parole. David had been arrested previously and has been denied parole both times he has been arrested (according to New York Times News Article). David was one of many people who were jailed as part of the Watergate Scandal trial. David joined the Black Panther movement in 1966 and supported many movements but specifically that of health care for the African American race. He aligned more with the thoughts and preaching's of Malcolm X but did have and show respect for Martin Luther King Jr.

## Overseas Issues

### Mozambique Massacre

 File:Portuguese Killing People in Mozambique.png
During the time frame of Vietnam Veterans returning back to the main land other countries were still having problems. The Portuguese nation was beheading those who belonged to the country of Mozambique. While the particular picture above shows only one person being killed a large number of colored people were killed for the color of their skin and the fact that some were involved in a liberation movement. According to a New York Times article from 1973, the term given to this overseas issue is that of a Massacre.

## Police and Prisoners

### San Quentin Six

    The San Quentin Six were a group of six men who were charged with the murder of prison guards as well as other people. In total they were charged with six accounts of murder and all wound up in prison. A large debate in the trial however was the fact that the jury was not specific with what each person was charged with. The jury simply listed out the names and accounts without being specific or categorical about it.

### Oklahoma Prison Fire

During July of 1973 Oklahoma prisoners started a fire to protest and riot about different aspects of what they had experienced. During this time period it is common for prisons to be overcrowded and to be poorly taken care of. The prisoners were tired of this treatment and the lack civil liberties they were receiving so a fire was started at the gates. According to a news article written in 1973, 2 people were counted dead a few days after initial rioting broke out while more were counted as injured (News Article For Fire).This will include police beatings and jail fires as well as prisoner hospitalizations.

### New Orleans Police Murder

During July 1973 New Orleans Police Officers followed a car with two black males in it. This was not uncommon during this time period since Police Officers were very abusive towards minorities specifically African Americans. The two men in the car in this incident knew that this could end bad since it was common especially for the young man's family who died. The young man who was shot six times was named Walter Henderson and was shot at for running from the car. The Police Officers claimed he ran at them with a gun; however, a first had account says he was running to escape the cops. The other male involved was never charged or detained instead the white officers arrested the wrong male as the driver. Ultimately, Walter was the only death from this incident but not the only death to come from incidents like this.

## Sports Highlights

### Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron also known as Henry Aaron was an MLB player until 1982. He played for the Braves and Brewers throughout his career which allowed him to set records which are still well known today. Compared to the other well known players at the time Hank was one of the only Black athletes at the time period to have a well known name. The Black Panther Newspaper included him in this issue since he was threatened and harassed as he approached Babe Ruth's Home Run record. Hank was known for being laid back and soft spoken so as to not draw attention to himself. Seeing as he was married these threats affected more than just himself. Included below is a link to an interview with Hank so you can see the other aspects of how race affected his life.

Hank Aaron recounts his experiences while playing for the MLB in this interview.

## Links And Resources

The Watergate Scandal Timeline And Facts

President Nixon Resignation Speech

President Nixon Resignation Video

The Oklahoma Prison Riot

David Hillard Life Review

Sam Ervin Discussing Watergate Trial