The Founding Principles of the Black Panther Party: A Call to Action for Change

Politics, as defined by the Black Panther Party's cofounder and Chairman Bobby Seale, is not just about holding a seat in a legislative assembly. It's about concrete action towards creating change and challenging the dominant narratives established by white supremacy ideology. The Black Panther Party, founded by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton in 1966, was committed to establishing its own narrative through grassroots activism and revolutionary principles.

The party's Ten-Point Program, outlined by Seale and Newton, is a testament to their commitment to the needs and desires of the black community. The program demands justice and peace, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and Black unity in achieving these goals. The ten points are:

• We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice and peace.

• We want all Black people when brought to trial to be tried in court by a jury of their peer group or people from their Black communities.

• We want freedom for all Black men held in federal, state, county, and city prisons and jails.

• We want an immediate end to police brutality and murder of Black people.

• We want all Black men to be exempt from military service.

• We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in the present day society.

• We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society.

• We want decent housing, fit for shelter human beings.

• We want an end to the robbery by the White man of our Black community.

• We want full employment for our people.

• We want power to determine the destiny of our Black community.

The party's ideals were shaped by Marxist-Leninist principles and a commitment to Black Power. Newton founded the party in Oakland, California, with Seale as his co-founder and Chairman. The two men believed that the black community had been consistently marginalized and brutalized by the police and government, leading to a sense of urgency around their demands.

The Black Panther Party's message resonated with many young black people who were frustrated with the slow pace of change and the lack of representation in mainstream politics. Through their activism, the party aimed to create a sense of community and empowerment among African Americans, challenging the dominant narratives and systems of oppression.

Today, the legacy of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton continues to inspire social justice movements around the world. Their commitment to grassroots activism, self-determination, and revolutionary principles remains a powerful call to action for change.

Bobby seale and huey p. newton