Eldridge Cleaver, author, social critic, and one of the most influential figures of the Black Panther Party, died on May 1, 1998 at the age of 62. Cleaver was born on August 31, 1935 to Leroy and Thelma Cleaver in Wabbaseka, Arkansas. Growing up, he was surrounded by racial injustice. After finishing school, Cleaver uprooted himself and moved to California where he met legendary black intellectuals such as Malcolm X, H. Rap Brown, and Huey P. Newton. In 1966 he became the Minister of Information for the Black Panther Party and was integral in the formation of the global political organization. It was during this time that Cleaver wrote the book "Soul on Ice." His most highly celebrated book, it addressed themes of racism, identity, violence, and justice, and he was later recognized at the National Student Forum by managing editor of Ramparts magazine, Warren Hinckle, for his work. Cleaver's political career then took a dramatic shift and he left for Algeria in 1969, before returning to the United States in 1975. He ran for President of the United States from the south central Texas Human Rights Party in the elections of 1976 and 1980, and worked to fight for the rights of all races. In his later years, Cleaver recanted his militant style of political action and became a devoted Christian. He also wrote several books, including his autobiography, "Soul On Fire," which chronicled his journey and search for identity. Eldridge Cleaver will always be remembered as a profound voice of social justice and he will be remembered for the countless souls he touched during his lifetime.