Social Injustices In Philip S. Foner's The Black Panther Party

50 years ago, a cry for help was answered by the birth of an organization. . At a time where social injustices were recurrent, they stood proud as the last line of defense for the black public. This brave group of vigilantes were the Black Panther Party. Originating as a self-defense troop, the Black Panther Party patrolled African American communities to protect residents from social injustice. The BPP was a vital factor to the black population. Using positive tactics toward unification, the party helped stabilize the black community. The BPP gave African Americans a sense of pride and sparked the beginning of egalitarianism. Yet despite their justified efforts, not all saw the Black Panther’s tactics as desirable. As their methods continued to impact their communities, white society began to view them as a threat. False reports of their tactics diminished the BPP’s reputation, and gave those who opposed party reason to attack.Although the threat they posed to white dominance ultimately resulted in …show more content…
In fact the BPP’s primary concept was their love for their people. The BPP had tremendous hope for the African American communities they served. Through Huey Newton 's 10 point program, the BPP vowed to evolve the black community and grant opportunities White America denied them from. From The Black Panther Speaks by Philip S. Foner, the author emphasizes "The Black Panthers central guiding principle was an “undying love for the people" (Foner, pg. 31). The 10 point program was aimed at altering the demographic of black communities. African Americans were denied basic life necessities, disrupting their everyday loves in the process. Essentials such as education for the youth and healthcare, all denied by African Americans. To counteract this drawback the BPP strategized, and created different organizations so that black communities could experience the same services as any White