Black Panthers Flashcards
The black panthers
Set up October 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale
Large, feared black power group who believed themselves to be misunderstood
Attracted media attention
Black Panthers Sacramento protest
The went to the state capitol in Sacramento carrying guns to protest against a proposed law to stop people openly carrying guns.
The sight of armed black men made state news
Black Panther’s beliefs
Believed white authorities didn’t care for black people and wanted black officials to support them
Were willing to cooperate with white people
Details of the Black Panthers
Originally called “The Black Panther Party for self defense”
Each group had a version of the ten point program (source D p67)
Uniform consisted of black beret, black trousers and black leather jacket
Many groups acted as police forces
How Black Panthers helped communities
Patrolled streets to protect black people
“Rainbow coallitions”
Pressed for better infrastructure in ghettos
Ran breakfast clubs, medical clinics, courses on black history and citizen’s rights and gave out free shoes
Carried weapons and tape recorders
Rainbow coallitions
The black panthers encouraged other non-white gangs to cooperate
Black Panthers’ achievements
Improved ghetto conditions
Improved many lives
Where did the Black Panthers’ money come from?
Some came from black businesses and some from robbing banks
Many panthers deliberately provoked the police to engage in shootouts
Black Panther events of 1967
July 1967- california bans carrying guns in public places
October 1967- Huey injured in a shootout and charged with murder. Panthers start “free Huey” which creates publicity
Span of the Black Panther Movement
By late 1968, 25 cities had black panther groups but there were never more than 2000 Panthers
