Fredrika Newton was inducted into the Culture & Arts Category in 2026.
Fredrika Newton is an activist and former member of the Black Panther Party whose lifelong commitment to social justice began in childhood. She worked alongside Party members on community "Survival Programs,"" including the Free Breakfast Program, Oakland Community School, and voter registration efforts. She later married Black Panther co-founder Huey P. Newton, and after his death, co-founded the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation. Through her leadership, the Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy and history of the Black Panther Party, countering misinformation and supporting public education through archives, programs, and events. Fredrika has led efforts to honor Huey P. Newton's legacy, including the establishment of Huey P. Newton Way in West Oakland and initiatives to create a national park site dedicated to the Party's history. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wesleyan University and a nursing degree from College of the Redwoods.
