And those programs included the Free Breakfast for Children program, free medical clinics around the nation. We engaged in what we called survival programs. Now, today we have more sympathetic portraits, such as the movie "Judas And The Black Messiah." Congressman, do you think that there is a greater sense of understanding, perhaps even a validation now for what you were trying to do back then? And back then, you know, many Americans saw your group as terrorists. MARTÍNEZ: Back in 1968, Congressman, you co-founded the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. You know, where young people hang out and where they live, I'm going to go in there and try to inspire them and show them the way to take advantage of some of the opportunities that exist in our nation. RUSH: You know, I am - I'm looking forward to - and frankly, I'm excited about going into the gangways and the hallways and on the streets. When it comes to remaining on the front lines of your community, what's that going to look like for you? You mention your church, Beloved Community Church of God in Christ in Chicago, the South Side of Chicago. MARTÍNEZ: Now, you were very clear, though, in saying that this is not a retirement. So they can pass it on to their children and their grandchildren. You know, I just have some - a lot of shared experiences. I want them to know me personally, the sound of my voice, my inflections of my voice. I don't want my grandchildren to know me from a history book, from a media outlet. RUSH: To have your grandson saying that, you know, you're not accessible to him because you're really doing important work, but there's no more work that's more important than having the right relationship with your grandchildren and with this younger generation. MARTÍNEZ: I spoke with Bobby Rush yesterday and asked him about a talk he had with his 19-year-old grandson that had him rethinking his work on Capitol Hill. The only person to defeat Barack Obama at the ballot box during a primary in 2000 says he's not retiring but returning.īOBBY RUSH: My best self is in my expression of service to others. The longtime representative from South Side Chicago is ending a chapter in a life that's seen military service, the fight for civil rights for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Illinois Black Panther Party, and also elected office as city alderman and congressman.
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