One For The Road: The Day The "Chicago Eight" Plead Not Guilty

By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 9, 2012 10:30PM

The heroic, baton-swinging cop at the left who drew blood from three defenseless kids, as shown, has recently been identified (with the help of a good scanner) as Officer Andy Martorano. He is now a (retired) commander. (© Art Shay)

On this date in 1969, the "Chicago Eight" plead not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, Lee Weiner and Bobby Seale were charged with conspiracy, inciting a riot, and others, under the anti-riot provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Charges against Seale, chairman of the Black Panther Party, were dropped shortly after.

Recently our favorite photographer Art Shay published a number of moving photos from the 1968 convention. Watch the videos below to learn more about the 1968 convention.