American poet, musician shares her story rooted in Black Panther activism and love for Tanzania

As her interview with me began, it was clear that Mama C’s life is a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unshakeable dedication to justice. This is how it went down…

“I was 17 years old in Kansas City, Kansas, when I started seeing articles about the formation of the Kansas City Chapter of the Black Panther Party in newspapers and on television. The men looked so fine in their black leather jackets, berets, and dark sunglasses, and like most teenage girls, that immediately caught my attention,” she recalls.

“I started cutting out newspaper articles and taping them on my bedroom wall. I saw in many of the articles that Brother Pete O’Neal was the founder and chairman of the newly established Kansas City Chapter. His picture was prominently displayed on my bedroom wall, but I never thought I would possibly meet him!”

Pete and Charlotte in Westport, Kansas City, 1969.

Mama C vividly remembers how the Black Panther Party’s social activism drew her in and how she became involved with their Free Breakfast for School Children programmes. “I attended the weekly political education classes where I learnt more about the movements for freedom in Africa and other countries around the world,” she says.

1969: Pete O’Neal chats with children eating a free breakfast provided by the Black Panthers.

“But the even stronger pull was when I started going to the Free Breakfast for School Children Programmes, which were feeding literally hundreds of children a day who otherwise would not have breakfast.”

This sense of community service became a defining element of Mama C’s life.

“To see these young brothers and sisters working together to feed hungry children was so inspiring to me, and I knew that I wanted to do that work too. I didn’t dream that I would be doing community service continuously for more than 50 years later!”

Her commitment to the movement deepened further as she became a leader in her high school’s Black Power/Black Consciousness movement. “I became one of the leaders of the Black Power/Black Consciousness movement at newly integrated Wyandotte High School,” she says. “I went from wearing miniskirts to long African gowns and beads. The vice principal, who was a black man, actually suspended me from school, saying that my African ‘garb’ was causing too much attention, and my parents had to come up to the school to get me reinstated. I continued to wear my African-inspired clothes, though!”

Mama C and her husband, Pete O'Neal

Mama C laughs as she remembers leading her peers in protest following the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. “I recall that we demanded that the flag be lowered to half-mast in recognition of Dr King’s death, but after the school administration refused, we urged our fellow students to stage a walkout, and we headed to the all-black Sumner High School,” she says, adding that this experience helped shape her view of activism and the power of words.

“I got a good taste of what the power of words can do, and as a poet and musician, I have never forgotten that day until now.”

Reflecting on the broader struggle, Mama C emphasises that being a Black Panther was never just about race, but about the class struggle. “It was always in our definition a matter of class struggle,” she says. “I continue to feel like that today.”

Leaving the United States for exile, Mama C and her husband, Pete O’Neal, found refuge in Algeria before settling in Tanzania. She speaks with warmth about their first arrival in Tanzania.

“I remember stepping off the plane and breathing the fish-smelling air when we landed in Dar es Salaam,” she says.

“And seeing all the vibrant colours and women carrying babies on their backs and baskets on their heads; muezzin calls sounding from the mosques and bells ringing in temples; hot sand seeping into our shoes, food being sold under umbrellas in the streets... I knew I had arrived home!”

In Tanzania, they settled in Ngaramtoni and began to live a life intertwined with the land and community. “We became pioneers in our African homeland, and with the help of our neighbours and books, we became experts at growing our food and raising cows, chickens, rabbits, and pigs,” she recalls. “It was hard work, and I was proud of the callouses in my hands. It was a sign to me that we were living the socialist Ujamaa life encouraged by President Nyerere!”

Living in a rural village presented both challenges and rewards, especially for someone used to city life. “We had one of the very few vehicles in the area, and we often served as the local ambulance, especially for people who were bitten by the numerous cobras in the village,” she says with a chuckle. “We lost two dogs from snake bites, and I myself was once inches away from stepping on a horned viper!”

Despite these challenges, Mama C embraced her new life in Tanzania, contributing to the community in many ways. “One of our comrades, Geronimo ji Jaga, donated funds to dig a borehole, and to this day, we continue to provide water not only for our compound but also for our community!”

Through all the years, Mama C’s commitment to community service has never wavered. “In the 1990s, we built classrooms on our homestead that became the United African Alliance Community Centre and home to the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home programme,” she says.

“We continue to offer free classes in many subjects, including sewing, video and audio production, art, carpentry, painting, cooking, and music.”

Despite the changes that have taken place in Tanzania, Mama C is still motivated by the same values that she adopted in her youth.

“Even though Tanzania might not be the socialist society it was back in the day, that concept is still carried in many lives because it is a very natural African way of being,” she reflects.

“We still find enjoyment in making our own household goods. We continue to be marked by both the socialism that we lived inside of so many years ago and the community service that continues to inform everything that we do.”

She speaks with pride about today’s youth who are reconnecting with their African roots.

“I love the present generation of youth who continue to explore our African history and understand the importance of rebuilding our communities through unity of purpose, sharing knowledge, and love, and that makes me happy!” she says, closing the interview with a hopeful declaration: “A luta continua!”