Free at Last?
Black Power Political movement promoting racial dignity and self-reliance (economic freedom). “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud” (James Brown) Resistance from the NAACP and whites due to the movements anti-white message. Frustration with the pace of black empowerment in America during the heyday of the civil rights movement.
Black Panthers Bobby Seale & Huey Newton formed the Black Panther Party (BPP) Oct 1966. Originally formed to protect local communities from police brutality & intimidation. Panthers ran medical clinics & free food for school children.
Stokely Carmichael Stokely slogan “Black is Beautiful”. Black pride and a rejection of white values. He joined the Black Panther Party in 1968 and was made ‘Honorary Prime Minister’.
Ten Point Programme The Black Panthers had a Ten Point programme which included: demands for freedom, better housing, better education, the release of all Black people held in prisons.
Panthers leaders also spoke about using violence to protect Black communities against white violence. Huey Newton said Panther patrols should carry guns on the streets of American cities so that they could “protect their brothers”.
Public Recognition The group gained worldwide publicity during the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico. Tommie Smith and John Carlos adopted the Black Power salute when receiving their medals. You will now watch a short documentary about the athletes. As you watch take note of any useful information.