“A people who have suffered so much for so long at hands of a racist society must draw the line somewhere. . . . the black communities of America must rise up as one man to halt the progression of a trend that leads inevitably to their total destruction.”
- Bobby Seale
(Seize The Time,
Who were the leaders?
Huey P.Newton: Huey P.Newton was born on February 17,1942. When he was younger he attended the Merritt College, this is where the Black Panther Party all began. Merritt College was in Oakland where Newton became involved in politics, and join the Afro-American Association. During his years in college Huey met a guy name Bobby Seale, and then later created a group called Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in October 1966.
Bobby Seale: Bobby Seale was born on October 22,1936 . When he attended college he also join the Afro-American Association, then later co-founded the Black Panthers with Huey P.Newton. They were both inspired by Malcolm X, who was a civil rights leader which was assassinated in 1965. With using some of Malcolm X teachings they later created the group in 1966.
Original six Black Panthers (November, 1966) Top left to right: Elbert "Big Man" Howard; Huey P. Newton (Defense Minister), Sherman Forte, Bobby Seale (Chairman). Bottom: Reggie Forte and Little Bobby Hutton (Treasurer).
Bobby Seale: Bobby Seale was born on October 22,1936 . When he attended college he also join the Afro-American Association, then later co-founded the Black Panthers with Huey P.Newton. They were both inspired by Malcolm X, who was a civil rights leader which was assassinated in 1965. With using some of Malcolm X teachings they later created the group in 1966.
Original six Black Panthers (November, 1966) Top left to right: Elbert "Big Man" Howard; Huey P. Newton (Defense Minister), Sherman Forte, Bobby Seale (Chairman). Bottom: Reggie Forte and Little Bobby Hutton (Treasurer).
What did they wear to distinguish themselves from the outside world?
The Black Panthers attire was black clothing with a black beret on their heads to symbolize 'black power'. Many of the Black Panther activists also chose to carry guns. The guns were used for protection from the police and also used as a symbol to Blacks in the community that they were not afraid to fight.