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CE 157-6171 , Additionally, the article noted the Panthers had anticipated beginning operation in November, 1973, but red |) tape had forestalled operation until January, 1974, LARRY LITTLE, the. Panther leader, was quoted in the article as saying that the “Panthers have enough money to et through February...the party is counting on support from lack churches, black civic clubs, and door-to-door solicitations. Ultimately...the Panthers wuld like to turn most of the responsibility for the service over to volunteers." EET OG ERR DTS HN SBE ee ‘atid rt ne Mey Wilenaiaiadss FR TUNE Pad ei EAI CT en Tere A In the February 11, 1974, edition of The Charlotte Observer, a daily newspaper published in Charlotte, Carolina, on page 1-C there appeared an article entitled “Service to Community Beats Confrontation, Panthers Say. " The article reported the operation of a BPP-sponsored Free Ambulance Program in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The article noted that the Winston Salem branch of the BPP had done a complete turnabout in its efforts to gain support from the comminity as its politics of confrontation have been replaced by commmity action programs, ranging from the free ambulance service to collecting clothes for the needy." LARRY LITTLE, leader of the BPP, WAS quoted as _Saying, "Talking guns and "burn baby, burn’ don't put food in people s stomachs or ambulances on the road, These are some of the crucis7l problems our people are confronted with. Our efforts are directed toward the ills of the community and we have more support for the party than we've ever had." LITTLE noted that included in that support was a turnout of over 500 supporters last fall at the Forsyth County Commissioners‘ meeting when the Panthers asked for a franchise for the Free Ambulance Program and additionally LITTLE stated that the Panther Party has more than 1,500 contributors (regular) to the Party. i LITTLE stated that the ambulance program is the type of program that they have always stood for and in the past the "militencc and confrontations of the Panthers’ early days, in the Late sixties and early seventies, occurred because the Party was my largely misunderstood. LITTLE further indicated that when it was necessary for the Party members to carry loaded rifles and ere larly drill in preparation of » confrontation there was a eling of isolation ve wee eee he AE aa Ure he tht A hd gy weit dk Le Ferd: a feelir Be eT oe ROE among Panther members but with the support they presently have change will be brought about and this is what it is all about, CoAT EE OS Bot Wee cl CP Pe be LO, a ARS sh sis cee a YW) fl wale Serra “iP hay -}]- Cae Pen wd + And Anal ¥ =