Black Panthers, 1966

What were the Black Panthers?
The Black Panthers was a political group that represented militant black power views. Its full name was the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Members were known for wearing all black clothing, including a beret and leather jacket.
Who started the Black Panthers?
The Black Panthers were founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Searle.
When were the Black Panthers founded?
The organisation was started in October 1966.
Where were the Black Panthers founded?
The Black Panthers began in Oakland, California.
What did the Black Panthers believe in?
The Black Panthers held 3 main beliefs:
  • White police and officials would not support or work for the interests of black people.
  • Black communities should have black officials.
  • They could work with white people who supported their aims.
What was the Black Panthers' 10-point programme?
The Black Panthers had a 10-point programme they believed would improve their communities. It included:
  • Full employment for African Americans.
  • Better housing.
  • Better education.
  • An end to police brutality.
What did the Black Panthers do as well as the 10-point programme?
The Black Panthers were involved in 4 other main activities:
  • Organising safety patrols of their communities.
  • Running courses on black history.
  • Organising free healthcare.
  • Running breakfast clubs for poor black children.
Were the Black Panthers violent?
There were 3 main issues the Black Panthers were linked with violence:
  • Members carried guns and there were frequent shootouts in the ghettos.
  • They often clashed with the police and some of their funding came from criminal activities.
  • Leader Huey Newton was charged with murder in 1968.
How did people react to the Black Panthers?
People reacted to the Black Panthers in 2 main ways:
  • The white community reacted with fear because they saw the group as violent and radical. As many members carried guns, which was allowed in California as long as they were visible, people saw them as dangerous.
  • They were under surveillance by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Did the Black Panthers have many members?
Although there were Black Panther groups in 25 cities by 1968, overall the organisation never had more than around 2,000 members.
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