Cleaver, Eldridge (1935-1998), became known for preaching the doctrine of Black Power. According to this doctrine, blacks must organize politically so they can deal with white society from a position of strength. Cleaver became best known for his book Soul on Ice (1968). Critics praised the book’s insights into black attitudes toward American society.
Leroy Eldridge Cleaver was born on Aug. 31, 1935, in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, and grew up in California. As a youth, he spent several years in prison. In 1958, he was convicted of assault with intent to kill and given a 2- to 14-year sentence. He was paroled in 1966 and joined the Black Panther Party (see Black Panther Party ).
In 1968, Cleaver ran as the United States presidential candidate of the Peace and Freedom Party. Later that year, he fled to Algeria after he became involved in a shooting incident. Cleaver returned to the United States in 1975. He said he had experienced a “religious conversion” and gave up many of his earlier political beliefs. He described his conversion in his book Soul on Fire (1978). Cleaver then was arrested for parole violation. He was released on probation in 1980. In 1986, Cleaver sought the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in California but was not successful. He died on May 1, 1998.
