| The Black Panthers |
The Panthers, through their actions, were a symbol of Black strength and Black resolve. The Panthers demanded that
Blacks be treated with respect in America. They backed up their beliefs with actions.
The Black Panther Party for Self Defense, as it was called, was the most powerful movement for social change since the
Revolutionary War. The Party was the vision Huey P. Newton (pictured to the upper right), seventh son of a Louisiana
family transplanted in the Oakland, California area.
Newton, in the wake of the civil unrest of the 60's, developed the outline of his organization. This included a 10 point
plan as well as various other guidelines to be followed by party members. The black panther was chosen for the
party's symbol for its powerful Image of strength and it had been used effectively in the past.
Newton developed his Ten-Point Program which outlined the parties goals and demanded that America address its long
standing oppression of Blacks. The Black Panthers promoted an ideology that demanded a fundamental change for
Blacks in America.
The following "8 points of Attention " and "3 main rules of discipline" were also enforced by party leaders.
8 Points of Attention
1. Speak politely.
2. Pay fairly for what you buy.
3. Return everything you borrow.
4. Pay for anything you damage.
5. Do not hit or swear at people.
6. Do not damage property or crops of the poor, oppressed masses.
7. Do not take liberties with women.
8. If we ever have to take captives do not ill-treat them.
3 Main Rules of Discipline
1. Obey orders in all your actions.
2. Do not take a single needle or piece of thread from the poor and oppressed masses.
3. Turn in everything captured from the attacking enemy.
| WHAT DID THEY DO THEN????? BLACK MEN taking A STAND |
| WHAT CAN WE LEARN NOW????? |
The Black Panther Party was an excellent example of what it meant to be a proud Black American. We need to look
back and learn from their example. In no other time in our history were Black men standing up for Black people more
than in the 60's and 70's. These were real men who were not afraid to put their lives on the line for all of us.
The Panthers made sure to break through the stereotypes that were set in their time to show Blacks were a race of
people who were highly educated, capable and worthy of fair and respectful treatment. We must do the same today.
The Panthers understood that the injustices faced by Black America were issues to be dealt with and compensated for.
A thorough re-examination must be made by Black people concerning the contributions that we have made in shaping
this country. We must look to our Black role models such as the Black Panther Party and follow their example. We
must once again, gain and demand respect for all of Black America.
back and learn from their example. In no other time in our history were Black men standing up for Black people more
than in the 60's and 70's. These were real men who were not afraid to put their lives on the line for all of us.
The Panthers made sure to break through the stereotypes that were set in their time to show Blacks were a race of
people who were highly educated, capable and worthy of fair and respectful treatment. We must do the same today.
The Panthers understood that the injustices faced by Black America were issues to be dealt with and compensated for.
A thorough re-examination must be made by Black people concerning the contributions that we have made in shaping
this country. We must look to our Black role models such as the Black Panther Party and follow their example. We
must once again, gain and demand respect for all of Black America.
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