Little Known Black History Fact

Today in 1966, civil rights activists, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton founded the Black Panther Party for Self- Defense in Oakland, CA. In the early 60’s, Seale and Newton met at Merritt Junior College and both were involved in organizations that inspired the revolutionary tactics of the Black Panther Party. The party was known for protesting against police brutality, but it also empowered the Black community by implementing social programs, such as free breakfast for children and health clinics. Later the party expanded to the East Coast, joining other African Americans in the fight for civil rights. By 1969, the Black Panthers gained about 10,000 members and became the largest Black revolutionary organization.