Room 108

Barbara Easley-Cox - Power Politics, an oral history series organized by Scribe Video Center, showcases the voices and strategies of organizers, activists, and leaders from Black, Puerto Rican, Asian American, and other marginalized communities. These interviews, conducted by high school and college students trained in oral history and documentary techniques, highlight the resilience and ingenuity of historically disenfranchised communities striving for political empowerment.

Barbara Easley-Cox was a member of the Oakland chapter of the Black Panther Party during the 1970s, and continues her dedication to social work and political activism today in the confines of her hometown of Philadelphia. Cox first became active within the party while studying at San Francisco State University, and would move on to become a member of the Philadelphia and New York chapters. She eventually expanded her activism to international levels after fleeing to Algiers with her husband, Donald Cox, who was in exile, and expanded even further to Germany as well. During her time in the Party, she participated in many forms of philanthropy such as food and clothing drives, as well as various other survival programs. As stated above, Cox continues her activism even today, mainly in Philadelphia where she focuses on educational programs for the youth.