Founders: Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, David Hilliard
Context: In response to police violence against Black citizens
Philosophy: Unlike the nonviolent approach of Martin Luther King Jr., the Black Panthers believed in aggressive self-defense when rights were violated.
Activities and Methods
Policing the Police:
Carried guns (legal in California in 1966)
Also carried tape recorders and legal case books
Educated the community about their rights
Aimed to hold police accountable and transform police-community relationships
Social Programs
Free Breakfast Program: For needy children
Medical Services: For the poor
Educational Lectures: About Black history and politics
Expansion
Chapters: Opened in major cities from California to New York City
Public Perception
Heroes: Seen as heroes by many in the African American community
Threats: Viewed as a threat by law enforcement due to their aggressive rhetoric, military-style dress, and open display of weapons
Government Opposition
FBI Campaign: Began in 1968 by J. Edgar Hoover
COINTELPRO: Counterintelligence program aimed at neutralizing the Black Panthers
Sowed dissension within the group
Sent anonymous letters to stoke distrust
Used paid informants to pass false information to the police, resulting in arrests
Challenges and Decline
Legal Battles: The organization faced numerous charges that, even if not upheld, consumed resources and weakened their ability to maintain other programs
Leadership Changes:
Bobby Seale: Resigned in 1974
Huey Newton: Fled to Cuba
Decline: Despite efforts to revitalize, the organization disbanded by the end of the 1970s.