As the first ever woman in the Black Panther Party’s decision-making body, Kathleen Cleaver played a large role in shaping and influencing the Party’s views on gender roles. Her drive to live a life of liberty inspired other women to do the same. And it’s in the Party where she meets her controversial husband, Eldridge Cleaver, who would leave her with a difficult choice to make: be a supportive wife or stand up for women’s liberation.

Listen to Black History, For Real on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/black-history-for-real/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.