In March 1969 a three-day National Conference for a United Front Against Fascism was held in Oakland, California. The Black Panther Party (BPP) was in charge of security. Numerous activists and revolutionaries from around the world attended. After speeches and other consciousness-raising activities, a film screening was organized for the participants. The film? Z, by Greek-French director Costa-Gavras.

Even though the film was not officially released in the US until December 1969, BPP captain Aaron Dixon and his comrades were able to procure an advance copy to show at the conference.

Z tells the story of a charismatic left-wing politician in an unnamed Mediterranean country, who is assassinated by shady characters connected to the deepest layers of the state. As the film progresses it becomes clear that the murder was organized by malicious figures from within an entrenched political-military alliance of the Right. They cannot countenance the prospect of a strong Left, so the young MP (played by acclaimed French actor Yves Montand) must die.