He would have celebrated his 76th birthday today. As chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and one of its national leaders, Hampton's life was marked by unwavering dedication to the cause of racial equality and social justice. Tragically, Fred Hampton met his demise at the hands of Chicago law enforcement officers when he was just 21 years old. His death has been characterized as a premeditated execution, leaving behind an indelible mark on our collective history.