Kenny Denmon, Minister of Defense San Diego Black Panther Party is laid to rest

Kenny put San Diego on the map in regards to panther pride and a strong presence of military-style defense. I mean an intellectual style-defense in other words. Even the great Hollywood actor Marlon Brando was highly drawn to Kenny’s sharp wit and intelligence. Kenneth Lee Denmon was born on Jan. 1, 1940, in San Diego. Attended San Diego High and was quite a wrestler, he served in the Marine Corps before making his mark on the campus of San Diego State early in mid-1960s. In 1968, panther legend Eldridge Cleaver, minister of information for the Oakland-based Black Panthers, asked Denmon to start the organization’s San Diego chapter. Kenny was committed. “While I was filming SD Panthers and their affiliates, what I found interesting was how Kenny used his mental prowess to arrest his opponent. That was consistent with him. He was also quite the fashion maven as well, looking good was a matter of statement to him” says SDMNEWS editor Cheryl Morrow.

Denmon in 1968, who hosted Cleaver during speaking engagements in San Diego (pictured above). “Kenny understood the separate powers of education, race, and economics very well.” Says Cheryl Morrow. “A real straight shooter,” says his good friend Pete Savtiz. Though he has been out of the public eye for some time, his personality and love for justice were simply unparalleled.