Black Panthers Leader Fred Hampton Remembered 50 Years After He Was Shot Dead In Police Raid

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Fred Hampton, the former leader of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was remembered Sunday – 50 years after he was shot to death by police.

"We will know that he has always and will always be a part of our history of progressive movement," said U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Illinois).

Balloons were released outside the site of Hampton's former home, at 2337 W. Monroe St. just east of Western Avenue.

It was Dec. 4, 1969, when Hampton was killed during a police raid ordered by then-Cook County State's Attorney Edward Hanrahan.

The activist was asleep in his bed when he was gunned down inside his apartment. He was 21.