A Taste of Power

A Black Woman's Story

By: Elaine Brown

Narrated by: Elaine Brown

Length: 17 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

“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.

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.

Knowledge of Power

This was eye-opening for anyone who wonders why the premises didn't work. For me they had the right idea to help where the need is... I am thankfully for Ms. Brown 's point of view a walk through the unfolding story of the who, what, where and how..... Panther works.

Amazing woman

I both enjoyed this book and learned even more than I already knew about the black panther party. This is a story of a strong, brave, powerful black woman.

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.

Required Reading for every Conscious American

This Audio Book brings to life what is impossible in the reading of the book. I read the book twice and loved it, but because Elaine reads it with such passion, clarity and emotional depth, the story takes on a life that can't be replicated by the ordinary reading by individuals interesting in the story. Through her voice, through her truth, through her reality, we get the down and dirty, the vivid, no holes barred truth. Naked, Raw, Real, illuminating, revelatory and educational. I didn't want to turn it off to go and do some mundane, but necessary life function. I couldn't wait to get back and continue this fascinating journey.