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Former Black Panther activist Albert Woodfox, who is noted to be the last of the “Angola Three” activists has finally tasted freedom after 43 years in solitary confinement. He had tried twice to overturn the conviction, but failed every single time. After his third appeal, he plead “no contest” to a lesser charge which ultimately gave him his release.

At age 69, he was finally able to live a life without bars. Woodfox said: “Although I was looking forward to proving my innocence at a new trial, concerns about my health and my age have caused me to resolve this case now and obtain my release with this no-contest plea to lesser charges,”

The Angola Three said they were targeted by prison officials because they spoke out against inhumane treatment and racial segregation at the notorious Louisiana prison built on a former slave plantation.

With the release of Beyonce’s “Formation” song, it seems to highlight these very issues. Most importantly her performance at the Super Bowl was politically influenced by the Black Panther movement which caused a lot of controversy. With the release of Albert Woodfox, it seems as though the Black Panther legacy is free at last.