15 Things You Didn't Know About The Black Panther Party
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

15 Things You Didn't Know About The Black Panther Party

"Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

7664
15 Things You Didn't Know About The Black Panther Party
comicvine.gamestop.com

The Black Panthers, originally called "The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense," was an organization formed Oct. 15, 1966 as a protection group for African Americans. Just two short years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, African Americans were still experiencing extreme, unmerited police brutality, socioeconomic disparity and all-around government oppression; the Panthers organized as a means to combat this.

1. Pro-black doesn't mean anti-white.

Originally, the party was pro-black, not anti-white, meaning they were only seeking to protect and provide for African Americans in the way the American government had neglected to at the time.

2. Born in Oakland, California | Parents Huey P. Newton & Bobby Seale

The Black Panthers were birthed in Oakland, California, by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, both of who were college educated men. Newton earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate all from University of California, Santa Cruz. While Seale did not complete his degree, he did attend Merritt College for a few years. During this time period, he met Newton through an organization called the Afro-American Association (AAA).

3. The Panthers weren't about oppressing anyone.

Although the Black Panthers were an organization for black Americans, they also stood with other oppressed minorities and (many times) vice versa.

4. The Black Panther Party remains the largest revolutionary African-American organization ever created.

5. The Black Panthers' focus areas included: Equality in education, housing, employment and civil rights. They even had a written platform to elaborate on their stance.

6. The Black Panthers were heavily influenced by the teachings of Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965, one year prior the official formation of the Black Panthers.

7. The Black Panthers were against capitalism. They believed strongly in the value of socialism.

8. It is estimated that the Black Panthers created around 65 community programs from 1966-1982.

Including, but not limited to: WIC (Women Infants, and Children), Free Breakfast for Children Programs (first of its kind in the nation!), Free Ambulance Program, Free Dental Program, Free Health Clinics, Nutrition Classes, UC Berkeley Students Health Program, Sickle Cell Anemia Research Foundation and police patrols to monitor police brutality.

9. The Mulford Act of 1967

Signed by President Ronald Reagan, this bill repealed the right to “open carry” loaded firearms, as a response to the Black Panthers’ neighborhood patrol programs. President Reagan stated that the law “would work no hardship on the honest citizen.” The Black Panthers responded by protesting their rights to the Second Amendment.

10. The Black Panthers had many famous members.

Afeni Shakur, a former-Black Panther, mothered of one of the greatest music legends of the 1990s, Tupac Shakur. Chaka Khan was also a Black Panther. She joined at 16 years old and sold the organization's newspaper. She also played a part in starting the free breakfast programs for children.

11. It spawned the creation of government organizations targeting political organizations.

COINTELPRO, or Counter Intelligence Program, was a government organization under the direction of FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover, and was used to undermine and destroy political organizations, the Black Panthers being on the list among feminist organizations, anti-Vietnam protesters and many others.

12. Anti-draft

The Black Panthers did not believe black males should have to enlist in the United States military draft.The Black Panther as an animal is seen as symbolic of strength, speed, endurance, commanding presence and awareness.

13. The logo for the Black Panthers came from the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), who some credit as being the unofficial Black Panthers before its founding in 1966.

14. The Black Panthers strongly supported women’s equality. In fact, the majority of its membership belonged to women in the 1970's.

15. Some groups mistakenly associated with the Black Panther Party are: The New Black Panther Party and the New Afrikan Black Panther Party.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70881
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132474
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments