The Black Panthers Party For Self-Defense

The Black Panthers were know as a very inspirational group during their time. They first emerged during the year of 1966 and from there on the rest was history. The Black Panthers were a group of people that were very influential to the African American people of the 60s as well as having a part in modern times. The Black Panthers began their campaign for equality in the state of California with only two people as its founders. They were Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. In fact, according to Elizabeth Weise, they started just as college students confused with the lack of acknowledgement of blacks in the Westward expansion of the United States. So, in response to that problem they had a very bright solution. In fact, “ the students

It was eventually shortened to what we know today. Their original name is what they stood up for, defense. During this time period there was a large amount of injustices committed against African American people. So they came up with what they called their “ 10 Point Program.” All that the Black Panther party wanted was equality in all aspects of American Life. They wanted equality in civil rights, education, and employment but also in aid such as welfare. The 10 point program said what they wanted all on paper, this was their plan. In order to achieve their goals they had to connect with people and do things to get noticed. The Black Panthers believed that action needed to be taken no matter what even if most times it created tension or ended in violence. This was because “ the Black Panthers believed that non - the non - violent campaign of MLK had failed any promised changes to their lifestyle” (Trueman). In short they believed that any “traditional” way fighting for civil rights did nothing at all. They also believed that their way was the only way things were going to get done fast enough to make a difference for their

African Americans are treated somewhat equally but there is that underlying factor of racism. While there has been a lot of progress towards the issue of race it doesn't stop hate. According to Sean Elder the Black Panthers emerged during a time when the police brutality was a common due to the false thought of “white superiority.” They fought back violence ( although sometimes with violence) to protect their people. But now we can see an interpretation of the Panthers within the Black Lives Matter movements. Today these people are bringing light to a still, very active, racist mindset among white America towards blacks that we would like to think doesn't exist. Instead of pointing guns like the Panthers did, they're pointing phones. Like the Panthers, people of the movement may have realized the power of the people and media in order to get their message