Christian rodriguez Tlamani

ENGL 21001

I decided to choose the Black Panther party/movement of the 1960s that emerged as a powerful

response to the pervasive racial injustices that were prevalent in America during the 1960’s era. I

decided to choose this because of the rich history behind multiple movements and those who

lead them such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. The black Panther movement Founded by

Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, sought to challenge systemic oppression and advocate for the

rights of African Americans in the face of racism and inequality. Their legacy continues to show

through history, inspiring movements for social justice worldwide for Africans Americans living

in the United States.

The reason why the Black Panthers arose, and why it still relates to me and you now. Is one of

deep-rooted racial tensions and systemic discrimination. Despite the gains made by the Civil

Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans continued to face widespread

prejudice, economic difficulty, and police brutality.

The assassination of prominent civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

showed the urgency of the struggle for racial equality, creating a new generation of activists to

take bold action. This being seen in the “Black Lives Matter” movement, this matters now. These

forms of oppression are still prevalent today and racism between people is still alive. And not

just among African Americans.

While reading and watching articles and documentaries I was very impressed on how much

adversity African Americans during this period had to deal with. An example being the

assassination of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King and still having both the courage and

determination not to give up on the main goal at hand. The trying of pushing back on the

oppression that was put upon them.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Black Panther movement was its emphasis on

community service and organizing. Understanding that meaningful change required more than

just protest, the Panthers initiated a range of programs aimed at addressing the social and

economic needs of their communities. These included free breakfast programs for children,

healthcare clinics, and educational initiatives designed to empower and uplift Black youth. By

providing essential services and support to underserved communities, the Panthers demonstrated

their commitment to improving the lives of those most affected by systemic injustice which i

really thought was inspiring.

Despite their work, the Black Panthers were often vilified and misrepresented in the media and

by the government. showed as militant extremists and threats to national security, they faced

intense scrutiny and repression from law enforcement agencies and political authorities. targeting

the Black Panthers The portrayal of the Black Panthers as violent radicals that the people feared,

further isolating them from mainstream society. Which I thought made me think about the

amount of propaganda that was prevalent during that time.

However, within their own communities, the Panthers were celebrated as heroes and symbols of

resistance. Their commitment to standing up to injustice and defending the rights of the

oppressed earned them widespread admiration and support among African Americans who saw

them as heros of their cause.

The challenges they faced, the Black Panthers left an indelible mark on American history and the

struggle for racial justice, which I really commend. Their legacy continues to inspire generations

of activists who are fighting against systemic oppression and inequality, such as the hispanic and

other minorities. The lessons learned from the Black Panther movement. The power of collective

action, the importance of community organizing, and the need for solidarity in the face of

adversity remain as relevant today as they were half a century ago.

I believe that it is essential to recognize the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

While significant progress has been made since the 1960s, systemic racism and discrimination

persist in many forms, impacting the lives of African Americans and other marginalized

communities. From police violence to economic inequality, the issues that the Black Panthers

fought against are still prevalent in society today, underscoring the need for continued activism

and advocacy.

In conclusion, the Black Panther movement of the 1960s was a pivotal moment in American

history, challenging systemic oppression and advocating for the rights of African Americans in

the face of entrenched racism and inequality. Their legacy continues to inspire movements for

social justice worldwide, reminding us of the power of collective action and the ongoing struggle

for racial justice. As we confront the challenges of today, the lessons learned from the Black

Panthers remain as relevant as ever, urging us to stand up against injustice and work towards a

more progressive society for everyone.