The Black Panther Party: Empowerment and Self-Defense in the 1960s - Prof. Charles A. Ward, Exams of Algebra

Download The Black Panther Party: Empowerment and Self-Defense in the 1960s - Prof. Charles A. Ward and more Exams Algebra in PDF only on Docsity! Definition and History (Black Panthers) History and Time Period: The Black Panther Party consisted of African American members all united for a purpose (to empower African Americans during the oppressive time period). This group was originally founded in Oct 1966 and lasted thoroughout the late 70’s with a common goal to lessen the white intimidation on blacks in the 1960’s(self defense). Formed in Oakland California,main historical events that impacted the group were anything that displayed “blatant racism” such as; Vietnam War in which many young black men and women were forced to go to war against their will. http://www.franciscodacosta.com/articles/BPP.html. Because of the many anti-war protests led by the members of the BPP many African Americans were targeted and closely watched by the FBI. The BPP eventually moved east coast in search of areas with a heavy population of poor African Americans determined to fight for their citizenship rights. Thus the streets of Harlem ,New York and Chicago became their “fertile ground”. Excessive shoot outs by law enforcement and constant harassment caused difficult times for the leaders and they took refuge in the Caribbean. My initial impression when I hear the phrase the Black Panthers is one of extreme empowerment. I first felt as if the BPP was some sort of gang in which they maintained control and organization in the black communities. I was aware that they were “anti-white” recruiting only black members. However I was not aware of their major positive contributions to their community. Such as: hosting and organinzing blood drives for their local hospital (Cook County Hospital). They also had major roles in creating a free medical center for those who could not afford coverage. Some members of the BPP also went door to door with free health care services in order to test for sickle cell anemia.(a common blood disease found in African Americans affecting 1 of 12). I discovered after doing this project that the BPP acted as a major self defense committee in black communities.