Photograph of Fred Smith of MC5 by Leni Sinclair of the White Panther Party
[Detroit]: 1969. Black and white silver gelatin print. 11 x 14 in. Abrasion on verso, not obstructing image. Else near fine. Item #5366
Vintage print of Fred "Sonic" Smith of the influential proto-punk band MC5 by photographer and activist Leni Sinclair, co-founder of the White Panther Party.
Leni Sinclair is a photographer and activist known for co- founding the White Panther Party with her husband John Sinclair. In 1964, John Sinclair was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and ended up spending 6 months in jail. MC5 played at the party celebrating his release, sparking decades of friendship and political collaboration. The White Panther Party, founded in 1968 with the idea of non-black activists supporting the mission of the Black Panthers, was hugely influential on the politics of the members of MC5. Fred Smith later married musician Patti Smith.
Price: $450.00