Before learning about The Black Panther Movement, the only thing I knew relating to the civil rights movement was of the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Although they had different ways of tackling racist and unjust systems placed by institutions, both had a goal to empower African-Americans and just in general make life better for everyone. After watching a short documentary on The Black Panthers, I believe they could’ve had a better approach to showing what they were going for such as the supplying of guns to group members. This action would put them in a bad light to the people, even if it was meant as a figurative speech. Nevertheless, the goal that they had to provide basic needs to communities in need, especially the very oppressed, was great of them, It truly showed that they weren’t just any party and were trying to make changes within America. It’s really just sad seeing how the party broke down, heavy beatings from the FBI, disorganization within, opposite ideas clashing, really just a mix of chaos.
“Black Panthers Revisited | Op-Docs | The New York Times”
The video highlights the ongoing issues that Black Americans faced throughout the years, most notably the issue of police brutality. This is one of the things highlighted in the Ten-Point rule, “We want an immediate end to police brutality and murder of Black people”, and the ways members of the party would do it was to protest with their rifles in hand, visible so the police can see. Not sure if was a way to show bravery for the beliefs they fought for or to protect their comrades, nevertheless the message was clear that the Panthers did this to show a message. In recent years, something similar has happened with the Black Lives Matter movement, spreading the message of an end to police brutality. I’d say it’s great seeing how after nearly 60 years the movements are as strong as ever but also disappointed that these are still ongoing issues plaguing the communities, something that should’ve been long gone.