Black Power Movement: The Black Panther Party

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The Black Power Movement has long been demonized, it is arguably one of the most demonized yet misunderstood movements within white America if not the most. The Movement is often dubbed as the “evil twin” of the Civil Rights Movement or is simplified as a “racist” and male dominated organization. These simplifications neglect the community based programs for black empowerment that were at the core of the movement’s mission. What many forget is the movement was birthed to elevate the political, social, and economic status of Blacks. As Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party puts it: “Revolution is about the need to re-evolve political, economic and social justice and power back into the hands of the people, preferably through legislation …show more content…

Made with the intent of protesting racism and police brutality, the group arranged armed citizen marches, monitored the police, and provided basic necessities to the poorer, black communities. The group displayed both the beauty and the horror of fighting for equal rights in their protests. The party drew a lot of its principles from Malcolm X; Bobby Seale especially as his political beliefs were rooted in the ideals of Malcolm X. Basing their philosophy off of his, the party sought to gain freedom and equality by any means necessary. Before the party was formed, Malcolm had been assassinated, further fueling them to channel his values.

Many economic, political, and social factors lead up to the Black Panther Party. When staggering statistics such as 55.1% of the black population living in poverty in 1959 became known to the public, a revolution was bound to happen. Known for taking up guns in defense against police brutality, the Panthers had many other less known works. The ways in which the Party fought to advance equality were unconventional and radical for the time. Thus, the massive push back the party …show more content…

One obstacle being, White America. White America perceived the Black Panther Party to be a threat, as expected, and prevented their success whenever possible, which contributed to their ultimate demise. In 1968 FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover described the party as: “the single greatest threat to the internal security of the United States”. The reason party feared was because it questioned the integral morals and everything sacred to American society. Fabricated lies regarding the Party and its founders were spread, and portrayed them in a negative light to ultimately sow fear. The perception the media portrayed was believed, despite how flawed the perceptions were. As a result, why and what the party advocated for remained a mystery to much of the nation, because the Party was only seen through the

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