The Black Panther Party: Compelling, Impactful, and Unapologetic In a speech, Black Panthers co-founder Huey Newton stated, “We use the Black Panther as our symbol because of the nature of a panther. The panther does not initially strike anyone… but when but when the aggressor continues, he will strike out” (The Black Panthers). The Civil Rights era brought forth many prominent black leaders and activists groups, but the wounds of prejudice were still wide open for many African Americans. Peaceful protests and marches did not cure the sting of police brutality and unequal opportunity. A new group emerged with a different mindset, ready to take action. The Black Panther Party was not primitive; it was an outcry for change in response to centuries
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Filled with inspiration and motivation, Newton and Seale started the Black Panther Party in 1966. The BPP had its humble beginnings in Oakland, California, initially created for self-defense. According to Marxists.org, “The Panthers practiced militant self-defense of minority communities against the U.S. government, and fought to establish revolutionary socialism through mass organizing and community based programs” (Baggins, Brian). Ronald Regan, California’s then Governor, was one of the group’s biggest targets. They accused of him of writing and approving of racist legislation, despite the Emancipation Proclamation being over a century old (The Black Panthers). However, racism wasn’t the only source of defiance for the Black Panthers.
One of their major battles fought by the BPP was against capitalism. Seale stated in a speech, “Working class people of all colors must unite against the exploitative, oppressive, ruling class. Let me emphasize again- we believe our fight is a class struggle, not a race struggle” (“The Black Panther Party”). The Panther’s goal for an equal and opportunistic future for all was outlined in their 10-Point Platform.
1) WE WANT …show more content…
The platform provided tangible direction for the group and its followers as its influence spread (“10-Point Program”). The initial implementation was the start of many other forms of literature being used as catalysts for the growth of the Black Panthers. The Panthers published the recognizable Ten-Point Program in their newspaper. The 25-cent paper was a way to reach the followers across the country. Half of the profits went to printing, and the other half went to various chapters of the party (Workneh, Lilly) The paper also included moving and meaningful artwork. In addition to the paper, another important piece of literature used as a catalyst for influencing the movement was Soul on
Filled with inspiration and motivation, Newton and Seale started the Black Panther Party in 1966. The BPP had its humble beginnings in Oakland, California, initially created for self-defense. According to Marxists.org, “The Panthers practiced militant self-defense of minority communities against the U.S. government, and fought to establish revolutionary socialism through mass organizing and community based programs” (Baggins, Brian). Ronald Regan, California’s then Governor, was one of the group’s biggest targets. They accused of him of writing and approving of racist legislation, despite the Emancipation Proclamation being over a century old (The Black Panthers). However, racism wasn’t the only source of defiance for the Black Panthers.
One of their major battles fought by the BPP was against capitalism. Seale stated in a speech, “Working class people of all colors must unite against the exploitative, oppressive, ruling class. Let me emphasize again- we believe our fight is a class struggle, not a race struggle” (“The Black Panther Party”). The Panther’s goal for an equal and opportunistic future for all was outlined in their 10-Point Platform.
1) WE WANT …show more content…
The platform provided tangible direction for the group and its followers as its influence spread (“10-Point Program”). The initial implementation was the start of many other forms of literature being used as catalysts for the growth of the Black Panthers. The Panthers published the recognizable Ten-Point Program in their newspaper. The 25-cent paper was a way to reach the followers across the country. Half of the profits went to printing, and the other half went to various chapters of the party (Workneh, Lilly) The paper also included moving and meaningful artwork. In addition to the paper, another important piece of literature used as a catalyst for influencing the movement was Soul on