By Alabama Public Radio
Mosses, AL – Civil rights pioneer John Hulett has died. He was 78 years old. He died Monday at his home in Mosses. Hulett helped found a group that became the Black Panther Party. During the civil rights movement, Hulett worked to help blacks gain the right to vote and run for office. He also became the first black to hold the office of sheriff and later probate judge in Lowndes County. He gained national recognition in 1966 when he and other black leaders formed the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, choosing the panther as the group's symbol. The panther was chosen for its independence. During a trip to California, Hulett and others told people about the county and the political symbol. Activists Huey Newton and Bobby Seale later used the symbol when they formed the Black Panther Party. A service for Hulett is scheduled for 11 o'clock Saturday morning at Central High School in Mosses.