The Black Panther Party of Self-Defense (BPP) was one of the most controversial movements in American history. The party was founded in 1966 by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, and was created to promote social and economic revolutions for African Americans. To combat police brutality, the BPP kept watch on the police. During arrests, they would stand with guns and law books to defend the rights of the arrested and to prevent brutality.These activities gathered a significant amount of attention and discussion. The BPP also participated in other activities, such as increasing medical accessibility and feeding the hungry. Thelma McDanielCollection [3063]
When did this movement start? What was going on during this time? Morris, Aldon D. The Origins of the Civil Rights Movement: Black Communities Organizing for Change. New York: London: Free Press; c1984. [E185.61.M845 1984]
King, Richard H. Civil Rights and the Idea of Freedom. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992. [E185.61.K55 1992]
What stand were the Black Panthers making and how did they make it?
Thelma McDaniel Collection [3036]
Schanche, Don A. The Panther Paradox: A Liberal’s Dilemma. New York: D. McKay Co, 1970. [E185.615.S27]
Baruch, Ruth-Marion, and Pirkle Jones. The Vanguard; a Photographic Essay on the Black Panthers. Boston: Beacon Press, 1970. [E185.5.B3 1970]
When One of Us Falls. Chicago: Artists United, 1970. [PAM E 185.615 .W5x]
Aaron Dixon Defense Fund. Hands Off Aaron Dixon, Captain, Seattle Black Panther Party. Seattle: Aaron Dixon Defense Fund, 1968. [PAM E
Questions to consider: How does their stand differ from other civil rights movements during the 1960s? How is this difference significant? Are there any similarities?