Ericka Huggins is a human rights activist, poet, educator, former Black Panther member and political prisoner.

Ericka’s political activism began in 1963, when she attended the ‘March on Washington’ and committed to moving from the sidelines to the frontlines in the global human rights movement. In 1969, at age 18, she became a leader in the Los Angeles chapter of the Black Panther Party with her husband John Huggins. She spent 14 years working with the Black Panther Party - the longest of any woman in leadership.

In May 1969, Ericka and fellow Party leader Bobby Seale were targeted and arrested on conspiracy charges. Ericka was forced to spend time in solitary confinement and awaited trial for two years before charges were dropped.

Upon release from prison in 1972, Ericka became writer and editor for the Black Panther Intercommunal News Service. Her poetry and writings have appeared in numerous magazines and books.

Ericka is currently a facilitator with World Trust, a catalyst for racial equality. Utilizing film, World Trust encourages conversation about the system of racial inequality. She is also a professor of Sociology and African American Studies at Merritt College in Oakland, California.