PACK RAT was the underground newspaper published by the Berkeley High School Student Union (BHSSU) to advocate for radical educational and societal reforms. Using the typesetting machines at the Black Panther Party's national headquarters in Berkeley, the students covered antiwar activities, racial discrimination, women's liberation, student rights, and other contemporary topics. When the BHSSU tried to distribute the paper on campus, its members were suspended. When the BHSSU's activities expanded beyond Berkeley, the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a file on the group in June 1970, which was closed when the students graduated.

PACK RAT Volume I, Issue I October 1969

Published by the Berkeley High School Student Union, Berkeley, California, 1969. First printing. Softcover newspaper, 17.5" z 11.25", 8 pages, folded as issued, illustrated with b&w photographs and graphics. This issue features articles on the Black Panthers, police violence, Malcom X, the Vietnam War, women's portrayal in the the mass media, protests, conspiracies, and more. A scarce example of youth participation in antiwar activism and its integration with student rights. Only 19 in the OCLC. GOOD Condition: Covers are toned, have several stiff creases, and a 2" closed tear at the front edge, otherwise a bright, clean, and unmarked.