The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary organization founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers aimed to combat racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression faced by Black Americans.
The Black Panthers advocated for Black empowerment, self-defense, and community organizing. They established armed patrols to monitor police activity, established community programs such as free breakfast for children and health clinics and promoted political education and activism.
Despite facing government repression and surveillance, the Black Panthers gained national attention for their bold activism and advocacy. However, internal conflicts, external pressure, and government crackdowns ultimately led to the party's decline by the late 1970s.
Nevertheless, the Black Panther’s legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and empowerment within the Black community. Their contributions to the fight for civil rights and social justice continue to inspire movements for racial equality and liberation worldwide.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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The Black Panther Party