The Black Panther Party was an organization that held beliefs in the idea of black nationalism, socialism, and self-defense mostly towards police that were discriminating against them. This organisation was originally formed in 1966 by both Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton. and its original purpose was to protect black people and black neighborhoods from police brutality by patrolling neighborhoods. They believed in the ideas of activist Malcolm X, and were inspired by him and his idea of utilizing self defense. The Black Panther Party continued to grow into many cities until its eventual end in 1982.

Besides fighting for equality both politically and economically, the Black Panther Party also provided access to medical clinics and free breakfast for children for any who didn’t have access to those resources. They reached their highest point in the 70s, with offices in more than 68 cities and over a thousand members. The members wore sunglasses, black leather jackets, black berets, and put their fists in the air to symbolize their movement. The Black Panther Party also approached the civil rights movement by proposing the idea that black people are free to determine their own destiny and how they choose to live their own lives.