The Black Panther Party: The Formation Of Identity Politics

The formation of identity politics in a post-civil rights era was spurred as a new wave of social movement activism that sought to highlight the experiences of specific social groups. These social groups consisted of racial, ethnic, and gender-based groups that utilized the politics of identity to bring attention to the unique experiences and challenges faced by various marginalized groups. In the mid-sixties with the end of the civil rights movement, a shift in attitudes towards the use of non-violence had begun which fed into the formation of identity politics. Overall, the formation of identity politics during the second half of the sixty’s decade was a response to the social and political climate at the time and sought to build a sense

During this time, other movements such as the Black Panther Party rose which sought to utilize identity politics to assert their identity while demanding equal rights and opportunities. Similar to the Black Power Movement, which had rejected the integrationist approach of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers aimed to promote self-sufficiency in black neighbourhoods. Specifically, the Black Panther movement championed the platform “what we want, what we believe” as they sought freedom to allow black communities to determine their destinies. This slogan encapsulated the movement's goals for social and political change as it was utilized to express its various political and social objectives. This represented the Panther’s demands to address the systemic inequalities and injustices faced by African Americans in addition to championing freedom, equality, and justice for black

They preached the importance of black identity, self-determination, and sought to create a sense of pride and solidarity among black individuals and black communities. The tactics and goals of these movements heavily differed from that of Marin Luther King Jr’s as his approach of nonviolence had been wavering in support among those in the black community. Many felt that Dr. King was too stubborn to abandon his ideals and philosophy in the face of a hostile nation whose intent was not to address the grievances of black individuals. Dr. King’s death had thus signalled that the violent phase of the black liberation struggle was here, and this death was a day that was remarkably consistent with what America had long demanded by its actions. Thus, the use of more militant tactics was embraced alongside a growing awareness of the intersectionality of race and class. This led to the eventual emergence of identity politics which was fueled by the start of the black liberation